Vehicle borne threats pose a risk to a range of businesses. From vandalism to significant injury, any vehicle can become a lethal weapon if it gets into the wrong hands. Fortunately, you can minimise the impact with measures such as fixed bollards and road blockers.
We’re here to provide vital information on hostile vehicle mitigation and why your business needs to take action.
What Is Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), And Why Is It Needed?
HVM is a generic term for road barriers or bollards designed to prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering your premises. Whether it’s a premeditated attack or a driver who’s lost control, HVM protects your staff and assets from injury and damage.
Vehicle-borne threats can also escalate into terrorism when the vehicle is used in one of three ways:
- VBIED: Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device
- VAW: Vehicles as a Weapon
- Layered Attack Vehicle: Used to transport weapons and attackers
Physical barriers and other products are only part of the story. Your HMV efforts should be part of a comprehensive 360-degree risk reduction strategy that protects your business against all forms of attack.
Don’t make the mistake of confusing HVM with traffic management — HVM is part of wider counter terrorism measures, and all equipment should meet the appropriate standards.
Which Sectors Need Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Measures?
HVM isn’t just for central government buildings, military bases and embassies. It covers at-risk infrastructure in a variety of other sectors, including:
- Airports
- Local government
- Shopping centres
- Warehousing and logistics
- Education facilities
- Corporate HQs
- Outdoor events
- Manufacturing facilities
If your business could be a target, you need to implement HVM measures to keep all staff, visitors, and the general public safe.
Why Is HVM Essential In High-profile And High-footfall Areas?
Following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, protecting publicly accessible locations has been more vital than ever. But the risk of a terrorist attack isn’t confined to events. Sadly, there’s a threat of a vehicle-borne attack wherever people gather.
HVM is essential in high-profile and high-footfall areas where there is an elevated risk, especially during festival season or in popular tourist destinations. Selecting the right HVM measures is about protecting people and places while allowing people to move freely and enjoy the sights.
What Are The Best Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Solutions?
The best hostile vehicle mitigation measures allow your security to combine efficiency with aesthetics. Because road blockers and bollards are in full public view, they serve as an effective visual deterrent. Plus, with barriers from Security Solutions, you can customise your measures to reflect your business branding.
Road Blockers
Road blockers are an exceptional security solution designed to stop vehicles on contact. Smooth and quiet in operation, they’re ideally suited to heavy traffic environments. Renowned for their strength and durability, road blockers are an excellent choice to deter high-impact vehicle threats.
SSCB Crash Rated Road Blocker
This crash-tested blocker is available in heights between 340mm and 800mm to block a range of vehicles, including cars and vans. We recommend a height of 600mm to 800mm in high-security areas. These wedge-shaped blockers disappear seamlessly into the road when not in use and come with a black and yellow chevron finish as standard for an aggressive visual deterrent.
SSSB Bison Blocker
This is a solid, shallow-mounted solution where deep excavation isn’t possible. These blockers have the advantage of covering a wide road area and have been successfully crash tested up to 80 km/h.
SSRB High Security Road Blocker
When you need uncompromising performance, this high-security blocker is equipped with a heavy-duty, 100% duty-rated hydraulic power pack for robust operation. Available in spans of up to 5m, this blocker has an operating time of 4-6 seconds and comes with a range of customisable control systems.
Bollards
Bollards are another popular and versatile HVM solution, creating an impassable barrier for vehicles and a strong visual deterrent.
Installing bollards has plenty of benefits for your business, including accident prevention and improved traffic flow. They’re an effective way to protect your buildings and other assets while protecting staff and pedestrians.
- Rising Bollards can be used as a fixed barrier at all times or retracted when necessary to allow authorised vehicles to enter and leave. They’re a common feature of the UK’s urban landscape, found at stadiums, airports, and delivery sites, among other uses.
- Shallow Mount Bollards are a great solution where traditional foundations present installation challenges for standard retractable bollards.
- Fixed Bollards are a common high-security application for airports, stations, shopping centres, and government buildings.
How Often Should HVM Blockers And Bollards Be Serviced?
To ensure that your road blockers and bollards continue to work at peak performance, they require regular service and maintenance.
There are multiple benefits to regular road blocker maintenance and specialist bollard maintenance:
- Ensure optimal performance and spot vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit
- Identify wear and tear issues before they escalate into major problems
- Improve safety and security so your HVM continues to function as required
- Extend product lifespan and minimise costs
Maintaining your fixed bollards and road blockers is a cost-effective way of getting the most out of your hostile vehicle mitigation solutions.
Bespoke HVM Equipment From Security Solutions
When choosing your hostile vehicle mitigation measures, you need a partner you can trust. At Security Solutions, we guarantee an unrivalled range of products, customised to your specific requirements. Our road blockers and bollards meet all relevant standards for a premium solution.
Explore our range of HVM, turnstiles, security gates, and security barriers and contact us today to discuss your requirements.