Hostile Vehicle Mitigation – Security Bollards

Hostile vehicle mitigation and Crash Rated Bollards Within the UK, vehicle-borne threats range from small scale vandalism, to much larger scale aggressive terrorist attack and criminal damage. With the constant evolution of terrorism, and the on-going development of new methods to combat it, the convenience and easy movement of vehicles mean they remain a convenient means of attack, whether simply for the transportation of an explosive device, or with the vehicle itself being used as a weapon. The following information is designed as brief guidance, to help identify the risks posed by vehicle-borne threats, evaluate strengths and vulnerabilities of existing measures, and to help identify possible solutions for implementing suitable Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures. Hostile vehicle mitigation and the different types of vehicle-borne threat Before determining the HVM measures required, it is important to first understand the nature and risk posed by possible threats, such as method likely motive of possible attack, along with possible vehicle types. With many attacks targeted to pedestrian areas, using large vehicle such as trucks and lorries, it is important to correctly identify suitable products to mitigate such threats. Assessing the strengths and vulnerabilities of existing measures for vehicle-borne threats After determining the nature and risk of the threat posed, a methodical approached should be taken in order to establish and highlight any existing security vulnerabilities. This can include a practical assessment of the site, and evaluation of issues such as vehicle access points, authorised traffic, pedestrian footfall, and existing security. This can be combined with discussions and advice from organisations such as CPNI and the Department for Transport. Reducing the threat and mitigating vehicle-borne attacks Once the site assessment is complete and objectives are identified, a range of options can be incorporated into the HVM strategy. This includes traffic management and vehicle restriction projects using vehicle security barriers (VSB), such as our range of PAS 68 and IWA 14 rated security bollards. Designed to determine when and how authorised traffic will access the area, the bollards can be integrated with our custom built PLC based controller to allow for a complete and bespoke HVM traffic management solution. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and its integration within the public realm The integration of HVM measures and security bollards within the public realm is becoming increasingly common within the UK, and can help to provide the required level of security without too much disruption to local residents, local businesses or the functionality of the public space. At Macs, we supply a range of automatic and fixed security bollards suitable for use in hostile vehicle mitigation projects, having been tested to meet numerous crash rating standards such as BSI PAS 68 and IWA 14. For further information on HVM and our range crash rated bollards, call us on 0161 320 6462 and we will be happy to assist. More information on the HVM products we supply can be found here. Further information on hostile vehicle mitigation, along with the PAS 68 / IWA 14 certifications for crash rated bollards, can be found on the CPNI, BSI and ISO websites