The Los Angeles City Council advanced a proposal Wednesday to fast-track permit applications for installing bollards on streets to enhance public safety and protect against vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and buildings.
Bollards are short, sturdy vertical posts typically made of metal or concrete, used to control or restrict vehicle access.
The City Council voted 11-0 in favor of a motion introduced by members Heather Hutt and Traci Park, and instructed the Bureau of Street Services to report on the implementation of such a permit.
According to the motion, several neighborhood councils proposed this idea, which would allow residents to apply and get bollards installed around sensitive areas.
Council members Paul Krekorian, Katy Yaroslavksy, Hutt and Park were absent during the vote.
“Vehicle ramming attacks, where a perpetrator deliberately rams a vehicle into pedestrians or buildings, have been increasing around the world in recent years,” the motion reads. “With the city hosting major international events in the next few years … the city should look at ways to safeguard residents and visitors from these types of attacks.”
The proposed permit would allow for the installation of specific types of bollards vetted by the federal government for their ability to stop vehicles, according to the motion.
In addition to safety at events like the 2028 Olympic Games, bollards could also enhance protection for bike lanes across the city.