HVM & Protective Security: Technical Guide Hub
This technical hub brings together straightforward advice, technical support and practical guidance around hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM), protective security and public safety, helping organisations better understand the latest standards, legislation and design approaches.
A Complete Guide to PAS 68 →
A Complete Guide to IWA 14 →
Understanding Crash Ratings →
Protecting public spaces has become an important factor for local authorities, event organisers, the private sector and design professions alike.
As the threat landscape evolves, counter terrorism measures and effective protective security are no longer considered specialist or consultancy services reserved for high-risk sites alone. The proposed Protection of Premises Act, widely known as Martyn’s Law, represents a landmark law designed to improve emergency preparedness and encourage organisations responsible for public premises, certain premises and events to take proportionate measures against the risk of a terrorist attack.
The Act establishes a legal duty for the responsible person at larger premises and publicly accessible locations to consider terrorism protection of premises as part of everyday operational security and physical security planning. Following Royal Assent and the implementation period, organisations will need to ensure compliance with statutory guidance issued alongside advice from Counter Terrorism Policing, the National Protective Security Authority and the Security Industry Authority.
This hub is designed to support that process by providing practical advice on securing public spaces, integrating hostile vehicle mitigation into the public realm design process and understanding the technical aspects behind vehicle security barriers, road blockers and high security bollards.
Technical Hub: Hostile Vehicle Mitigation & Protective Security FAQs
What is hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM)?
Hostile vehicle mitigation is a protective security discipline focused on counter vehicle borne threats using physical obstructions, vehicle barriers, road blockers and integrated deployment strategies designed to prevent vehicles from gaining access to vulnerable locations.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is legislation borne from the Martyn’s Law campaign by people personally affected by terrorism. The proposed law encourages organisations responsible for premises and events to take proportionate security measures and improve emergency preparedness.
What is PAS 68?
PAS 68 is a publicly available specification developed by the British Standards Institution and widely recognised as the premier crash test specification for hostile vehicle mitigation products in the UK.
What does a PAS 68 crash test involve?
A PAS 68 crash test uses an actual vehicle travelling at a specified vehicle speed to assess the performance rating of security barriers. Testing materials include measurements for complete stop performance, impact penetration, debris weighing and vehicle penetration distances.
What is ISO 22343?
ISO 22343 is an international standard covering impact test methods for vehicle security barriers. It complements existing British standards institute guidance and provides internationally recognised test methods for security equipment.
Why is integrating hostile vehicle mitigation important?
Integrating hostile vehicle mitigation early in the public realm design process helps local authorities, designers and security professionals create safer public spaces while maintaining accessibility, traffic flow and operational requirements.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance?
The responsible person for qualifying premises or events will typically oversee security processes, implementation planning and ensure compliance with any new obligations introduced under Martyn’s Law and related statutory guidance.
What are vehicle borne threats?
Vehicle borne threats refer to vehicles used deliberately to cause harm, breach security barriers or attack crowded public spaces. Counter terrorism strategies often focus on reducing risks associated with these identified threats.
Do all sites need hostile vehicle mitigation?
Not every site requires the same level of protection. A comprehensive programme should consider the intended site location, reasonable expectation of risk, operational security needs and assessed vehicle borne threat before selecting an HVM solution.