PAS 68 is a UK Publicly Available Specification that defines performance requirements for vehicle security barriers. It specifies test conditions for hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) products — measuring how well a bollard, barrier or gate stops a vehicle travelling at a set speed and weight. PAS 68 has largely been superseded by IWA 14-1 but remains widely referenced.
What is PAS 68? — The Complete Guide to UK Vehicle Security Standards
PAS 68 (Publicly Available Specification 68) was the UK's foundational standard for vehicle security barriers — bollards, gates, barriers and rising arm systems designed to stop hostile vehicles. Published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) under the direction of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), PAS 68 defined a rigorous crash testing methodology that enabled security products to be objectively compared and specified. While formally superseded by the international IWA 14-1 standard, PAS 68 ratings continue to be referenced extensively in UK security specifications.
The History of PAS 68
PAS 68 was first published in 2007, responding to growing concerns about vehicle-borne terrorism following the 9/11 attacks in New York (2001) and the 7/7 bombings in London (2005). Prior to PAS 68, there was no standardised way to test and verify the performance of vehicle security barriers in the UK. Manufacturers made claims about their products' abilities that were impossible to independently verify. PAS 68 created an objective crash-test methodology and a standardised rating system, enabling specifiers to make informed choices about which products would genuinely stop a vehicle of a given weight at a given speed.
How PAS 68 Testing Works
Under PAS 68, products are tested by crashing a vehicle of specified weight into the barrier at a specified speed, and measuring the results. The test is conducted by an accredited test house — typically MIRA in the UK — and must be witnessed and certified by a third party. Key test parameters include:
- Vehicle type and weight — PAS 68 specifies standard test vehicles of 2,500kg (car), 7,500kg (van/light goods) and 30,000kg (HGV tanker) configurations
- Impact speed — typically 40mph, 50mph or 80km/h (approximately 50mph)
- Penetration distance (P) — how far the front of the vehicle penetrates behind the security line of the barrier post-impact. P1 = less than 1m, P2 = 1m–7.5m, P3 = 7.5m–30m, P4 = more than 30m
- Debris scatter (D) — how much debris scatters from the barrier (relevant for densely crowded locations)
Reading a PAS 68 Rating
A PAS 68 rating looks like: V/7500[N2]80/90:1.0. Breaking this down:
- V — Vehicle security barrier (as opposed to P for pedestrian barrier)
- 7500 — Vehicle weight in kg (7,500kg vehicle)
- [N2] — Vehicle type classification
- 80 — Impact speed in km/h (approximately 50mph)
- 90 — Impact angle in degrees (perpendicular impact)
- 1.0 — Penetration distance in metres (less than 1 metre)
PAS 68 vs IWA 14-1
PAS 68 was superseded by IWA 14-1 (International Workshop Agreement) in 2013. IWA 14-1 is an international standard developed under the ISO process, providing equivalent but more internationally harmonised requirements. For UK procurement purposes, IWA 14-1 and PAS 68 ratings are generally treated as equivalent when the test conditions are comparable. A product tested and certified to IWA 14-1 at V/7500[N2]80/90:1.0 is functionally equivalent to a PAS 68 product at the same specification.
The key differences are that IWA 14-1 uses slightly different vehicle categories, has updated debris scatter requirements, and has better international recognition. For projects requiring international tender compliance, IWA 14-1 is generally preferred.
PAS 68 Applications in the UK
Government Estate
The UK Government Security Centre (GovSeCo) specifies PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 rated barriers for the protection of government buildings, including all Cabinet Office and HMGCC classified facilities. The Government's Security Policy Framework (SPF) mandates the use of tested and certified security products.
Crowded Places
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) provides guidance on hostile vehicle mitigation for crowded places — shopping centres, stadia, tourist attractions, transport hubs and event venues. For locations at highest risk, PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 rated barriers are recommended.
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)
Operators of UK Critical National Infrastructure — power stations, water treatment works, communications facilities, financial centres — are expected to implement appropriate HVM measures including vehicle security barriers. The CPNI provides classified guidance on barrier selection for CNI applications.
Do I Need PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 Rated Barriers?
Not every bollard or barrier installation requires security certification. A standard steel bollard protecting a shopfront from accidental vehicle impact does not need to be PAS 68 tested. Security-rated bollards are appropriate where:
- There is a specific, assessed threat of deliberate vehicle attack
- The consequence of vehicle intrusion would be catastrophic (mass casualties, CNI disruption)
- It is mandated by a government or regulatory requirement (e.g., government estate, stadia, nuclear sites)
For most commercial applications, a well-installed, concrete-filled steel bollard provides meaningful deterrence without the cost of full PAS 68 certification.
PAS 68 Rated Security Barriers from Barriers Co
Barriers Co supplies PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 certified security bollards, rising arm barriers and retractable bollard systems for UK crowded places protection and government estate applications. All products supplied with full crash test documentation. Contact our security team for a consultation.