They started going up last week and are now in place in the capital’s popular Chiado district, in Rua Augusta and around the iconic Jerónimos monastery.
Two weeks since the horrific death-toll in Barcelona, Lisbon has taken a new stand against the changing face of terrorism.
A statement released by the PSP in collaboration with Lisbon council explains that the ‘Jersey barriers’ were an intervention that had been studied for “some time”, following vehicle-led attacks in Nice, London, Berlin and Stockholm.
Indeed, the likelihood is that further barriers will be installed in other cities, particularly Fátima, Coimbra and Porto, writes EBC agência Brazil today.
“The preoccupation of the Portuguese government over the safety of tourists is not restricted to Lisbon”, writes journalist Marietta Cazaré, adding that the country of just 10.3 million inhabitants is likely to have taken in twice that number in tourists this year.
The joint statement released this week sets out advice for anyone caught up in any kind of terror-related incident.
“Run, protect yourself and call the police”.
“Running is the best option”, the text explains, stressing: “Do not attempt confrontation or negotiation”.
For protection, people are advised to “hide, barricading yourself into a building or establishment until the authorities arrive”.
And regarding contact with the police, the statement adds that “your description of what happened can help the police.
“If you are hiding, say where you can be found, this will facilitate your rescue”.
These are all ‘simple instructions’ devised as the country retains the ‘threat level’ it had pre- the Barcelona attack in which two Portuguese women died, along with 13 others from many nationalities.
But EBC stresses that not only have Jersey barriers and steel bollards started becoming new features of the Portuguese capital, frontiers are now under “reinforced vigilance” while hotel reservations and vehicle hire companies are also being watched.
“The next major events, like concerts, outdoor shows and football games will also be the targets of special attention by the authorities”, says the website.
