RiskUKOctober2017

Counter-Terrorism: Hostile Vehicle Mitigation
With the threat level
posed by terrorism in
the UK currently set at
‘Severe’, Alice
Higginson outlines
what can be done by
security professionals
in their bid to protect
crowded places
Alice Higginson:
Marketing and Sales Coordinator
at Bristorm
Protection for the Masses
The nature of recent terrorist attacks – some
of which have involved vehicles being used
as weapons – has resulted in a clear focus
for practising security professionals. When it
comes to general street scenes, crowded and
commercial locations, temporary high-profile
events and Critical National Infrastructure
protection, the attention is necessarily focused
on making thorough site and operational
assessments to identify vulnerable areas and
access points that require solutions appropriate
for mitigating a perceived threat.
The need to protect and secure locations
where the general public are present is
increasing. This puts more pressure on security,
risk and facility managers, architects and
project engineers alike. Considering the
integration of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)
systems prior to the development of any new or
existing site is crucial if appropriate defence
measures are to be implemented.
The standards associated with HVM systems
are still not immediately recognised by the
wider industry, often making it difficult for the
necessary solutions to be specified and
implemented. Alongside this, it’s important to
recognise the external factors that may prevent
appropriate HVM from being procured, such as
cost, aesthetics, operational processes,
controlling pedestrian flow and enabling access
routes for maintenance and Emergency
Services vehicles and personnel.
Specific HVM solution manufacturers are now
delivering technical presentations to
architectural practises around the UK. This is a
concept soon to be supported by the Perimeter
Security Suppliers Association. There’s a
limited understanding of the standards
associated with HVM, but these presentations
have allowed manufacturers to grasp the
aesthetic requirements architects and project
engineers have in mind when working on
particular schemes. As a result, subtle,
sophisticated and unique designs have been
developed that will not compromise the overall
performance rating of the HVM system.
Mitigating the threat
Limited understanding may result in the
installation of unsuitable HVM systems,
meaning that a perceived threat will not be
mitigated. Other factors may include cutting
costs on the system required, incorrect
installation that’s non-compliant with BSI PAS
69 or IWA 14-2, a limited or lack of knowledge
on the system required or that an insufficient
site assessment was performed.
Integrating aesthetics and HVM products will
hopefully build a crucial bridge between
manufacturers, architects, end clients, project
engineers and the local Counter-Terrorism
Security Advisors working on one particular
project, therefore reducing the need to cut
corners by installing inappropriate or untested
HVM solutions.
The Centre for the Protection of National
Infrastructure has sponsored the development
of BSI PAS 170, a Publicly Available
Specification that describes an efficient way of
testing the performance of a single bollard
when hit by a 2,500 kg vehicle at low speed.
BSI PAS 170 provides a quick, inexpensive
and proportionate way of evaluating bollards
that will be installed in a car park or retail
outlet and typically be hit accidentally by a low
speed passenger vehicle or a vehicle criminal at
approximately 10 or 20 mph. BSI PAS 170-
tested Stopper Bollards are currently the only
systems commercially available in the UK, but
they provide end clients, architects and project
engineers with a cost-effective and reliable
alternative when higher security solutions
tested to BSI PAS 68 or its equivalent are not
deemed to be essential.
Most technical presentations focus on the
HVM systems commercially available in the UK
and the standards associated with these
products, including the aforementioned BSI
PAS 68, BSI PAS 170, IWA 14-1 and ASTM
F2656-7/15. Testing procedures, compliancy
and installation guidelines (BSI PAS 69 and IWA
14-2) are also discussed throughout to ensure
that any HVM product may be accurately
incorporated within all drawings and plans
prior to beginning the procurement process.
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