Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) refers to physical and procedural measures used to protect people and buildings from vehicle-as-weapon attacks. Following attacks at London Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and Manchester City Centre, HVM has become an essential consideration for public spaces, event venues, transport hubs, and high-footfall commercial locations across the UK.
The HVM Threat in the UK
The UK government's ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) programme advises that all operators of crowded places should assess their HVM risk and implement proportionate measures. This applies not just to government buildings — it covers shopping centres, event venues, stadiums, markets, and any location attracting large numbers of people.
The CTSA (Counter Terrorism Security Adviser) network — part of NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office) — provides free advice and assessments to operators of crowded places.
Key Standards: PAS 68, IWA 14-1
PAS 68:2013
Published by the British Standards Institution — the UK specification for impact testing of vehicle security barriers. Products tested against vehicles of defined mass at defined speeds and angles, with results recorded as a Containment Test Result (CTR). Superseded for new product testing by IWA 14-1 but PAS 68 ratings remain valid and widely specified.
IWA 14-1:2013
International Workshop Agreement developed by ISO. The current preferred standard for new product certification.
Reading a Rating: V/7500[N2]/48/90:0.0/0.0
- 7500: Vehicle mass in kg (7.5 tonne van/truck)
- [N2]: Vehicle category (N2 = 3.5–12 tonnes GVW)
- 48: Test speed in km/h
- 90: Impact angle in degrees (90° = perpendicular)
- 0.0/0.0: No penetration
HVM Product Types and Costs
| Product Type | Supply Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 68 Fixed Bollard | £800–£5,000 | £1,300–£8,000 |
| PAS 68 Automatic Bollard | £5,000–£15,000 | £8,000–£25,000 |
| Rated Surface-Mounted Barrier (per metre) | £600–£2,500/m | £1,000–£4,000/m |
| Rated Planter | £2,000–£6,000 | £2,500–£8,000 |
| Rated Temporary Barrier (hire, per day) | N/A | £20–£60/m/day |
| Rated Jersey Barrier (purchase, per metre) | £150–£400/m | £200–£600/m |
HVM Product Detail
Fixed Bollards (Rated)
Steel bollards with deep foundations (typically 168–219mm CHS, 1,000–1,500mm deep concrete foundation). Best for permanent pedestrian zone protection and building entrance protection.
Planter Barriers (Rated)
Reinforced planters containing landscaping — aesthetically acceptable HVM that blends into public realm. Important: Never assume decorative planters provide security — only products with documented PAS 68 or IWA 14-1 test results provide assurance.
Temporary HVM for Events
Water-filled plastic barriers (Triton, Delta, etc.) rated to PAS 68 or IWA 14-1. Jersey/concrete barriers can achieve H containment levels. Hire: £20–£60 per metre per day.
Common HVM Specification Mistakes
- Specifying unrated products: Only products with valid, documented test results provide security assurance
- Insufficient spacing: Bollard spacing must match the manufacturer's tested configuration — typically 1.2–2.0m centres maximum
- Ignoring pedestrian access: HVM must not contravene BS 8300 (access for disabled people)
- Not engaging CTSA: Free expert advice is available — always use it before committing to a specification
Engaging the CTSA
CTSA are embedded in every police force in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They provide free advice and assessments to operators of crowded places. Use the NaCTSO website (www.gov.uk/guidance/crowded-places-guidance) to contact your nearest CTSA or access the SKYline assessment tool.
Barriers Co is a specialist supplier of HVM products in the UK. Browse our HVM range or contact us to discuss your site requirements.