Delta Scientific, the leading manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that leading universities, including six of the Associated Press (AP) U.S. top-10 rated pre-season football schools, are staying one step ahead of terrorists and errant drivers on their campuses by identifying vulnerable areas and securing them within minutes with Delta MP5000 temporary, portable barriers. These mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating (M40 ASTM rating), stopping 7.5 ton (6400 Kg) vehicles traveling 40 mph (64 kph). With vehicle attacks becoming terrorists preferred choice of creating panic, many universities are adding such defenses.

“Unfortunately, most college procurement offices won’t let us or other vendors announce their purchases,” advises Greg Hamm, Delta Scientific vice president of sales and marketing. “We feel that this is too bad since terrorists typically won’t go where they know barricades are deployed, reducing security risks dramatically. Having just installed MP5000’s at yet another major football power, we decided to check how many Top 10 schools we were protecting.”

At these colleges, the portable barriers are primarily used when temporary vehicle access is required. Parking for the football game, a grand opening for a new facility and open houses are temporary events needing only a temporary solution. The barriers can be deployed quickly and effectively, even in places where it’s impossible to excavate for a permanent foundation.

The totally self-contained barriers tow into position to control vehicle access within 15 minutes. No excavation or sub-surface preparation is required. Once positioned, the mobile barricades unpack themselves by using hydraulics to raise and lower the barriers off their wheels. DC-powered pumps will then raise the barrier to keep vehicles out or lower the barrier to let vehicles through.

“From a purchasing standpoint, it can be easier to buy portable barriers than permanent barriers,” adds Hamm. “The latter are oftentimes placed into an organization’s real assets budget because they are permanently installed into the ground, becoming part of the property. Such budgets can often create complex purchasing scenarios for law enforcement or public safety departments. However, purchasing portable barriers is no different than buying protective vests for personnel or new sets of wrenches for the maintenance department.”

For one time uses, a lease plan has been created where organizations can simply lease the portable barriers, use them, pack them up and return them. Delta always keeps an inventory for purchase and quick delivery at their manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. That’s because, in many cases, they are needed for events that come up quickly, such as politician or celebrity visits and other unexpected incidents.