When the International Security Expo opened its doors in London on 29–30 September, attendees saw far more than a product display. Four next-generation speed gate solutions took centre stage, and together they revealed three trends that are quietly redefining pedestrian access control worldwide: wider lanes, taller glass barriers, and smarter retrofit of legacy projects.
For facility managers, systems integrators and architects, the message is unmistakable. A modern speed gate is no longer just a barrier that blocks unauthorised entry — it must welcome wheelchairs and luggage, complement premium interiors, and extend the life of entrances installed years ago.
Trend 1 — Wide Lanes for Inclusive, High-Throughput Access
One of the most talked-about exhibits was a glass speed gate supporting lanes up to 1.2 metres wide — wide enough for a wheelchair, a service trolley or a traveller with bulky luggage. Crucially, wide lanes only work when security keeps pace. Advanced side-gate detection now identifies two people attempting to pass side by side, preserving anti-tailgating protection without narrowing the passage. For airports, hospitals, stadiums and transit hubs, this blend of accessibility and security is becoming a procurement requirement rather than a luxury.
Trend 2 — Tall Glass Barriers: Security Meets Aesthetics
Height was the second clear theme. Premium glass barriers now reach up to 1.8 metres, delivering a strong physical and visual deterrent while keeping the entrance light, transparent and architecturally elegant. Tall glass speed gates answer a common dilemma: how to raise security without turning a welcoming lobby into a fortress. With frameless glass and slim profiles, they satisfy both the security team and the interior designer — a combination increasingly demanded in corporate headquarters, banks and data centres.
Trend 3 — Legacy Retrofit Keeps Venues Future-Proof
The third theme was retrofit. Rather than tearing out working infrastructure, venues are upgrading older entrance installations with modern speed gate heads, new detection systems and refreshed aesthetics. Retrofit reduces capital cost, minimises downtime and lets operators adopt the latest functionality without a full rebuild — an attractive proposition for busy public buildings that cannot afford to close their doors.
What This Means for Your Next Project
Whether you are specifying a new lobby or upgrading an existing entrance, the 2026 direction is consistent. The table below summarises what to look for:
| Trend |
Customer Benefit |
Best-Fit Applications |
| Wide lanes (up to 1.2 m) |
Wheelchair, luggage and trolley access with dual-person detection |
Airports, hospitals, transit stations |
| Tall glass barriers (up to 1.8 m) |
Higher security with a premium, transparent look |
Corporate HQs, banks, data centres |
| Legacy retrofit |
Lower cost, less downtime, modern features on existing lanes |
Stadiums, public buildings, retail |
Key takeaways for buyers:
- Evaluate lane width together with detection technology — never separately.
- Choose glass height that matches both the risk profile and the interior design.
- Ask suppliers about retrofit kits before committing to a full replacement.
- Verify anti-tailgating performance through real-world, side-by-side testing.
The expo proved that the industry has moved far beyond gates that simply close. The winning entrances will be the ones that keep people moving — safely, inclusively and beautifully. If you are planning an access control upgrade, now is the ideal time to review wide-lane, tall-glass and retrofit options that fit your venue and your budget. Contact our team for a tailored assessment and a solution matched to your project.
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