The rise in ram-raid attacks and vehicle-as-a-weapon incidents across the UK has put hostile vehicle mitigation at the top of the security agenda for retailers, public bodies, and event managers alike. PAS 68 and IWA 14 certified bollards are the tested, proven solution — but navigating the certifications, specifications, and installation requirements can be complex. This guide explains everything you need to know about certified anti-ram raid bollards, from the crash tests behind the certification to practical installation considerations for UK sites.
The Threat Landscape: Why Anti-Ram Raid Bollards Matter
Ram-raid attacks on UK retail premises have surged in recent years, with the British Retail Consortium reporting hundreds of incidents annually. The typical ram-raid involves a stolen vehicle being driven at high speed into a shop window or ATM, creating a breach through which offenders take goods before fleeing. Beyond retail, the vehicle-as-a-weapon threat from terrorism and serious organised crime has resulted in widespread installation of hostile vehicle mitigation measures at public spaces, government buildings, and transport hubs.
The consequences of inadequate protection are severe: structural damage running into hundreds of thousands of pounds, operational disruption, injury or fatality risk to staff and bystanders, and increasing insurance premiums. The cost of a certified bollard installation is typically recovered within 1-3 claims-prevented incidents.
What is PAS 68?
PAS 68 is a Publicly Available Specification published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It provides a standardised testing methodology for vehicle security barriers and a classification system that enables specifiers to compare the certified performance of different products. PAS 68 replaced an earlier standard (PAS 68:2010) and is regularly updated to reflect new threat assessments and testing experience.
The PAS 68 Crash Test
PAS 68 certification requires physical crash testing at an accredited test facility. A real vehicle (typically either a 2,500kg car or a 7,500kg GVW lorry/truck) is driven into the barrier at a specified speed under controlled conditions. The test records:
- The vehicle's frontal penetration past the barrier line (in metres)
- The dispersal of debris and vehicle parts
- The performance of the foundation system under impact
- The condition of the barrier post-impact
The lower the penetration figure, the higher the containment performance of the barrier. Products achieving zero penetration (the vehicle does not pass the barrier line) are designated P1 (or P0 for truly zero penetration). Products where the vehicle penetrates up to 1m are classified at lower performance levels.
Reading a PAS 68 Classification
A PAS 68 classification looks like this: V/7200[N2C]/48/90:0.0
Breaking this down:
- V — vehicle security barrier
- 7200[N2C] — vehicle mass (7,200kg) and type (N2C = truck, GVW 3,500-12,000kg, flat front)
- 48 — impact speed in km/h (48 km/h = 30 mph)
- 90 — angle of impact in degrees (90° = perpendicular)
- 0.0 — penetration distance in metres (0.0 = zero penetration)
What is IWA 14?
IWA 14 is an International Workshop Agreement published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). It covers vehicle security barriers (IWA 14-1) and hostile vehicle mitigation for temporary or relocatable barriers (IWA 14-2). IWA 14 uses a broadly similar crash test methodology to PAS 68 but provides an internationally recognised classification system.
A IWA 14-1 classification example: V/7200[N2C]/64/90:0.0 — using the same notation system as PAS 68 but with an impact speed of 64 km/h (40 mph) in this example.
For UK procurement, both PAS 68 and IWA 14 certifications are widely accepted. Government and CPNI specifications typically reference both standards. For international projects or global portfolio standardisation, IWA 14 provides useful comparability with non-UK installations.
Types of PAS 68 Certified Bollards for UK Applications
Deep Foundation Fixed Bollards
The highest-security permanent solution. A large-diameter steel bollard (typically 168mm-273mm) is installed into a substantial concrete foundation pit. The foundation design is specific to the certification — using a different foundation than specified invalidates the certification. Typical foundation depths are 1.0-2.0m depending on the bollard and soil conditions.
Ideal applications:
- Government buildings and embassies
- Shopping centre entrances and pedestrian precinct perimeters
- Critical infrastructure (power stations, water treatment facilities)
- Permanent retail frontage protection
Shallow Mount PAS 68 Bollards
Where deep excavation is not possible — over underground utilities, on structural concrete decks, or in areas with existing hard standings — shallow-mount certified bollards provide PAS 68 or IWA 14 performance with a reduced foundation requirement. These typically use a specialist surface plate or shallow cassette system that transfers impact loads horizontally into the surrounding surface.
Ideal applications:
- Locations with dense underground utilities
- Car park decks and multi-storey structures
- Retrofitting to existing pedestrianised areas
- Bridges and viaducts where deep piling is not possible
Retractable/Automatic PAS 68 Bollards
For locations requiring both certified security performance and vehicle access control, automatic retractable bollards rise from a below-ground housing on command and retract to allow authorised vehicles. Operating mechanisms include hydraulic (highest reliability, slowest cycle), electromechanical (faster cycle, more maintenance), and pneumatic (fast, but requires compressed air supply).
Key operational considerations:
- Cycle time: how fast does the bollard rise and fall? (typically 4-8 seconds)
- Fail-safe mode: does the bollard default to up (secure) or down (open) on power failure?
- Access control integration: card reader, keypad, remote, or ANPR?
- Maintenance requirements: hydraulic systems need fluid checks; electromechanical need motor maintenance
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) Planters
Concrete planters incorporating ballasted or reinforced cores that provide vehicle containment equivalent to a certified bollard, while providing a more aesthetically sympathetic streetscape solution. Increasingly popular for town centre improvement schemes where standard bollards would be visually intrusive. Some HVM planters carry IWA 14-1 certification when properly installed and ballasted.
Security Risk Assessment: Before You Specify
Before specifying PAS 68 bollards, a security risk assessment should determine:
- Threat level: What is the credible vehicle threat at this site? Ram-raid opportunism? Terrorism? Both?
- Standoff distance: How much space exists between the vehicle approach route and the asset to be protected?
- Speed achievable: How fast could a vehicle realistically be travelling when it reaches the perimeter?
- Continuity: Are there gaps in the perimeter that would allow a vehicle to bypass the bollards?
- Emergency access requirements: Fire, ambulance, and police access that must be maintained
For government and critical infrastructure sites, CPNI (Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure) provides detailed guidance on commissioning an HVM assessment and security consultant engagement. For commercial retail applications, a specialist security risk consultant (member of the Security Institute or ASIS International) is the appropriate starting point.
Installation and Commissioning
PAS 68 certification covers the complete system — bollard, foundation, and (for automatic bollards) operating mechanism. Installation must be carried out to the exact specification that was tested. Key installation requirements:
- Foundation excavation to the specified depth and diameter (do not compromise on this)
- Concrete specification as stated in the certification (typically C30/37 or C35/45)
- Steel reinforcement as specified (particularly important for shallow-mount systems)
- Curing period before the bollard is commissioned — typically 28 days for concrete strength development
- For automatic bollards: electrical installation by a qualified electrician to IEE Wiring Regulations
Critically: deviation from the specified installation method invalidates the certification. If you need to deviate (e.g., reduced excavation depth due to a utility), seek written guidance from the manufacturer on whether the certification can still be claimed.
Frequently Asked Questions — PAS 68 Bollards
Q: How much does a PAS 68 bollard installation cost in the UK?
A: Supply-only prices for PAS 68 bollards range from approximately £2,000 to £10,000 per bollard depending on specification and whether it's automatic or fixed. Installation (including foundation works) typically adds £2,000-£8,000 per bollard depending on ground conditions, access, and the number of bollards in the scheme. A small perimeter protection scheme of 5-10 bollards might cost £30,000-£80,000 fully installed — substantial, but typically far less than one serious ram-raid incident.
Q: Do all bollards on a site need to be PAS 68 certified?
A: Not necessarily. A HVM security strategy typically uses certified bollards at the primary vehicle threat points and may use non-certified decorative bollards elsewhere in the scheme. A CPNI-aligned security assessment will identify which points in the perimeter require certified performance and which can use lower-specification products. The weakest point in the perimeter determines the overall performance level.
Q: How long do PAS 68 bollards last?
A: A properly installed PAS 68 bollard in a hot-dip galvanised or stainless steel finish should have a service life of 25+ years with appropriate maintenance (annual inspection, lubrication of removable types). Automatic systems have a shorter service life for the operating mechanism, typically 10-15 years, and require regular professional maintenance to maintain certification.
Q: Does a bollard need to be replaced after a vehicle impact?
A: Any bollard that has absorbed a significant vehicle impact should be assessed by a structural engineer or the manufacturer before being relied upon again. The above-ground structure may appear intact while the foundation has suffered damage. A post-impact inspection is essential before recommissioning a bollard as part of a certified HVM scheme.