Photo via Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Following a series fence-jumping incidents, the Secret Service permanently shut down public access to the sidewalk next to the south fence of the White House last night.

“The Secret Service must continually evaluate security protocols and continually balance the security of our protected persons and facilities with the public’s ability to access them,” said Secret Service communications director Cathy Milhoan in a release.

There won’t be any new physical barriers, and the Secret Service took pains to note that the restrictions won’t stop people from viewing or taking photos of the presidential mansion.

The closure comes after several people, as recent as Sunday, tried or succeeded in hopping over bike rack-style barricades and the actual fence in attempts to get to the White House. In the most notable occurrence under President Donald Trump’s administration, Jonathan Tuan Tran jumped several fences and remained on the White House grounds for about 15 minutes before being arrested.

There’s a plan for a significantly taller fence with “pencil point” anti-climb fixtures, but construction isn’t slated to start until next year.

The north sidewalk of the White House is already restricted around the clock; and since 2015, people haven’t been able to access to the south side sidewalk between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

“Restricting public access to the fence line will not only serve to lessen the possibility of individuals illegally accessing the White House grounds,” said Milhoan, “but will also create a clear visual break to enable Secret Service officers to identify and respond to potential hazards including individuals attempting to scale the fence.”

The area that’s now off-limits includes the sidewalks, roadways, and parkland areas between the south fence line of the White House and E Street NW from West Executive Avenue to East Executive Avenue.

Update: The photo on this story has been changed to reflect the south side of the White House, rather than the north, where the sidewalk restrictions were already in place.