Vehicle Attack Delay (VAD) FAQs

What is vehicle attack delay (VAD)?
Vehicle attack delay (VAD) is a security approach designed to slow, restrict or delay the progress of a hostile vehicle. VAD products form part of wider hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) strategies to help protect people and infrastructure from vehicle borne threats.
What is the Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADS)?

The Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADS) is guidance developed by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) for products designed to delay aggressive and repetitive vehicle impacts.

Unlike traditional vehicle impact testing, VADS focuses on the ability of security products to provide delay during a sustained vehicle attack.

What is the difference between VAD and HVM?
Vehicle attack delay is one element of hostile vehicle mitigation. HVM is a broader security approach that combines physical products, site design and operational measures to reduce the risk posed by hostile vehicles.
What is the NPSA and what does it have to do with VADS?

The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) provides protective security guidance to help organisations manage risks to people, assets and infrastructure. It developed the Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADS). The organisation was previously known as the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).

What are vehicle attack delay systems used for?
Vehicle attack delay systems are used to protect locations where there is a risk of hostile vehicle attacks, including town centres, public events, transport hubs, government sites and critical infrastructure.
How do I choose the right vehicle attack delay system?
The correct VAD solution should be selected based on a site-specific risk assessment, security objectives and the recommendations of the relevant security professionals. Factors such as location, threat level, installation requirements and aesthetics all influence product selection.