Parliament security issues new 10 km/h speed limit for MPs

In a bid to enhance security measures at the Parliament Estate, a fresh advisory has been issued to Members of Parliament (MPs), urging them to maintain a vehicle speed of 10 kmph. This precaution aims to prevent the activation of security devices at entry gates, which could result in damage to vehicles and harm to occupants. The caution follows the post-2001 security overhaul, ensuring the safety and security of Parliament amidst evolving threats.

The Parliament Security Service has issued guidelines for the operation of security gadgets within the Parliament Estate, cautioning that the speed of the vehicle should not exceed 10 kmph until they have crossed the last security device at the Iron Gates.

“Necessary warning signages have been prominently displayed at suitable locations. Hon’ble Members of Parliament are requested to kindly give suitable instructions to their drivers for observance of speed regulations while driving inside the Estate,” reads the advisory.

The gadgets are designed to activate immediately in the event of an emergency. “In case the speed of vehicles exceeds the speed limit of 10 kmph, it may be difficult for the person driving the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a safe halt. Impact against the ‘tyre killers’ and ‘road blockers’ can cause serious damage to the vehicle and injuries to the occupants,” it cautioned.

The advisory said that Security Gadgets have been installed at Iron Gate No. 1 to regulate vehicular movements and to strengthen the security arrangements in the Parliament Estate. Pedestrians are, therefore, requested not to cross these Gadgets on foot. Members of Parliament are requested to use Ferry Services at this gate for their movement from the Iron Gate to the Building Gates of Parliament Estate & back, and avoid movement on foot through this gate.

The advisory also said that a distance of at least five feet between two vehicles should be maintained while crossing the ‘boom barrier’ as the system allows clearance of only one vehicle at a time.

If any vehicle accidentally hits the ‘boom barrier’, the driver must stop the vehicle immediately, it reads.             

According to the advisory, for security reasons, Members are advised to check their cars and briefcases before coming to the Parliament Estate. In case of self-driven cars, Members are requested to check the dickey, seats, engine, etc., before proceeding to the Parliament House Complex. “Members who desire to use a bicycle as transport may gain access through Iron Gates and are requested to park the bicycle at an earmarked place in Self-driven Vehicle Parking at Talkatora Road and lock the bicycle properly. The bicycles used by Members will be treated as self-driven vehicles,” it said.

After the terror attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001, the security apparatus was overhauled with the installation of the latest security gadgets. The system has been upgraded on multiple occasions to address emerging threats.