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London could be exposed to attacks from terrorists on mopeds after barriers on bridges were widened to make more space for cyclists, a former Scotland Yard officer has said.

Anti-terror barriers on London bridges were fitted to stop cars ploughing into pedestrians after vehicles were used as weapons in three attacks in London, as well as in other European cities.

But David Videcette, who was in the Met’s counter-terror unit for six years until 2010, said the Government and other bodies need to be more “forward-thinking” when implementing such measures.

His concerns were raised after barriers erected on Blackfriars Bridge were widened to better accommodate commuters.

Mr Videcette, who was involved in the 7/7 bombing inquiry, said widening the barriers “too much” would mean the bridge is more likely to be targeted in a repeat attack.

Terrorists are “flexible” and will find ways around measures already in place, he said, citing a shocking recent surge in moped-enabled crime across London.

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He told the Standard: “If these barriers are widened too much, we are open to more attacks like the ones we have already seen. If a vehicle of any kind is able to get through – they are useless.

“The Government needs to be more forward-thinking in its approach to prevention as terrorists are flexible and they will find a way around the measures already in place.”

On the barriers' ability prevent future attacks, he said: “These bollards may stop large vehicles from entering the bridge, but what about mopeds? The recent surge in moped-enabled crime could mean that terrorists will adopt this tactic.

“Even though motorbikes would perhaps not cause as much damage as a car or van, a knifeman on a bike would.”

The safety precaution on Blackfriars Bridge was installed to stop cars ploughing into pedestrians like what was seen in the recent attacks on Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and then in Finsbury Park.

Campaigners raised safety concerns amid the increased security measures that caused chaos for cyclists as they were forced to slow down completely before entering the barriers on the bridge.

The security barriers have since been widened after the short-term measure was seen to be affecting hundreds of commuters, City Hall’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said.

“We recognise that the barriers the Met installed to increase security have affected many of the cyclists and pedestrians who use London's bridges," he said.

“That’s why TfL and I are working with the Met, local councils and others to deliver short-term improvements that maintain the security of all road users, such as these changes to Blackfriars Bridge, as well as longer-term solutions.”

Borough Market & London Bridge terror attack tributes - In pictures 19 show all Borough Market & London Bridge terror attack tributes - In pictures 1/19 Flowers and post it notes on the wall by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 2/19 Floral tributes and messages to those killed and injured after the London Bridge terror attack left at London Bridge Nigel Howard 3/19 A message of "love not hate" posted among the tributes Jeremy Selwyn 4/19 Thousands of people wrote messages to the victims Jeremy Selwyn 5/19 Red roses laid out on London Bridge after the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn 6/19 More flowers at Monument in remembrance of victims Jeremy Selwyn 7/19 Floral tributes and messages to those killed and injured after the London Bridge terror attack left at London Bridge Nigel Howard 8/19 A woman sticks a post-it note to the wall of messages Nigel Howard 9/19 People from all over the world left messages of strength and support after the attack Jeremy Selwyn 10/19 Onlookers take photos of the floral tributes Nigel Howard 11/19 It comes as the market gears up to reopen Nigel Howard 12/19 The Borough Market community left this message of strength Nigel Howard 13/19 A woman takes a photo of the messages left at the scene Nigel Howard 14/19 One person Rob wrote: They did not dent our democracy Nigel Howard 15/19 The sea of flowers by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 16/19 Flowers and post it notes on the wall by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 17/19 Flowers and post it notes on the wall by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 18/19 Floral tributes and messages to those killed and injured after the London Bridge terror attack left at London Bridge Nigel Howard 19/19 A giant blue screen closes an entrance to Borough Market Jeremy Selwyn 1/19 Flowers and post it notes on the wall by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 2/19 Floral tributes and messages to those killed and injured after the London Bridge terror attack left at London Bridge Nigel Howard 3/19 A message of "love not hate" posted among the tributes Jeremy Selwyn 4/19 Thousands of people wrote messages to the victims Jeremy Selwyn 5/19 Red roses laid out on London Bridge after the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn 6/19 More flowers at Monument in remembrance of victims Jeremy Selwyn 7/19 Floral tributes and messages to those killed and injured after the London Bridge terror attack left at London Bridge Nigel Howard 8/19 A woman sticks a post-it note to the wall of messages Nigel Howard 9/19 People from all over the world left messages of strength and support after the attack Jeremy Selwyn 10/19 Onlookers take photos of the floral tributes Nigel Howard 11/19 It comes as the market gears up to reopen Nigel Howard 12/19 The Borough Market community left this message of strength Nigel Howard 13/19 A woman takes a photo of the messages left at the scene Nigel Howard 14/19 One person Rob wrote: They did not dent our democracy Nigel Howard 15/19 The sea of flowers by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 16/19 Flowers and post it notes on the wall by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 17/19 Flowers and post it notes on the wall by London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn 18/19 Floral tributes and messages to those killed and injured after the London Bridge terror attack left at London Bridge Nigel Howard 19/19 A giant blue screen closes an entrance to Borough Market Jeremy Selwyn

Asked about the readjustment potentially increasing the chance of a terror attack, a London Cycling Campaign spokesman said: "It’s obviously vital that the Met Police can continue to protect all Londoners from terrorist attacks with necessary security measures.

"But it’s also vital that those measures don’t put people crossing the rive on bike at risk. It’s positive to see the barriers, which were put in quickly, being tweaked and adapted to improve safety day-to-day for everyone."

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said the barriers are designed "specifically" for vehicle mitigation.

She added: “We recognise the public is anxious about security following the terrorist attacks in London, and we want to reassure them that we are taking precautions to make the Capital a safe place for people to live, work and visit.

"In addition to our efforts to pursue terrorists and prevent people becoming extremist, the police service carries out daily activities to help increase the protection and security of the public.

"This concerted effort includes a range of highly visible, covert, armed and technical methods aimed at protecting the public from the threat of terrorism, boosting security at key sites and reassuring businesses, workers and visitors as they go about their daily lives."