High-Security Sites: HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) Equipment Guide

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High-Security Sites: HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) Equipment Guide

High-security sites — government buildings, critical national infrastructure, military establishments, and high-profile commercial targets — require a fundamentally different approach to perimeter security than standard commercial premises. HVM planning must address the full range of vehicle-borne threats.

Defining the Threat

  • Vehicle mass: From cars (1,000kg) to HGVs (30,000+kg)
  • Vehicle speed: From low-speed (5mph) to highway speed (80mph+)
  • Attack angle: Perpendicular (90°) and angled (30°–60°) attacks
  • VBIED (Vehicle-Borne IED): Standoff distance from the protected asset is critical

The HVM Product Hierarchy

Tier 1: Fixed Certified Barriers

The backbone of any HVM perimeter. Certified to IWA 14-1 or BSI Flex 1660:

  • Fixed steel bollards (IWA 14 V7500/80/90:0.0 minimum for most applications)
  • Armco-derived crash barriers (IWA 14 rated for continuous runs)
  • Pre-cast concrete barriers (IWA 14 certified, for highest-mass applications)

Tier 2: Active/Dynamic Barriers

  • Rising bollards (hydraulic/electromechanical): 3–8 second rise time; IWA 14 certified options available
  • Road blockers: High-containment hydraulic blockers; IWA 14 rated up to V30000
  • Hostile swing gates: IWA 14 rated gates for vehicle access control

Tier 3: Temporary HVM

For events or construction: IWA 14 rated portable concrete barriers, surface-deployed IWA 14 rated steel barriers. See our concrete and temporary barrier range.

Foundation Standards

For any IWA 14 or BSI Flex 1660 certified product, the foundation specification from the test certificate must be followed exactly. Any deviation voids the certification. Typical requirements: concrete class C30/37, depth 600mm–1200mm, with specified rebar.

NaCTSO & Counter Terrorism Advice

NaCTSO provides free SeCTT site assessments, Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) consultation, and ProtectUK training programmes. For designated crowded places, consultation with the local CTSA is strongly recommended.

Maintenance & Testing of HVM Systems

BSI Flex 1660 requires: annual inspection by a competent person, immediate inspection after any vehicle impact, and maintenance records retained for the life of the installation.

Browse our certified security bollards and full bollards range.

Tags: Critical infrastructure, Government security, High security, Hostile vehicle mitigation, Hvm, Iwa 14, Pas 68, Uk