Peter Jackson, Managing Director at Jacksons Fencing, highlights the importance of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation when securing public spaces and venues.

In today’s increasingly volatile world, the risks posed by hostile vehicle attacks are undeniable.

From terror-driven incidents to localised acts of violence, vehicles have become a growing threat used to cause harm, especially in crowded public spaces.  

Cases where cars, vans or lorries are deliberately driven into crowds or against buildings, are becoming ominously more frequent, particularly in crowded public spaces.

High-profile incidents like the 2016 terrorist attack in Nice, France, and the 2017 attack on London Bridge, as well as the recent incidents in Germany and the United States, serve as grim reminders of the vulnerabilities inherent in open venues.  

As such, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) has become an essential part of modern security strategies.

Whether it’s a football stadium packed with fans or a busy shopping centre, protecting large, high-traffic venues from vehicle-based threats has become a priority. 

What is HVM?  

Hostile vehicle mitigation refers to a range of strategies, physical barriers and technologies employed to prevent or reduce the impact of vehicles used as weapons in public spaces.

Such vehicles, which may be deliberately driven into crowds, buildings, or security zones, are used to cause harm or destruction, and are often difficult to defend against due to their speed, mobility and common availability.  

The purpose of HVM is to safeguard high-risk locations such as government buildings, shopping centres, stadiums, airports and other public spaces where large numbers of people congregate.

These locations, often considered soft targets, are particularly vulnerable to vehicle-based attacks.  

HVM measures are vital for safeguarding people, property, and public spaces from harm.

As we continue to witness the evolution of security threats, innovative strategies are being developed, not just for everyday venues but for iconic institutions such as football stadiums.  

The growing threat  

A study published in 2022 noted that since 2016, there have been at least 62 vehicle ramming attacks in cities including London, New York and Berlin, resulting in over 240 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries.

Incidents have occurred with alarming regularity since then.

Cities and organisations worldwide have been spurred to act and implement HVM strategies to prevent further tragedies from taking place.

However, hostile vehicle attacks present a unique challenge: vehicles are widely available and can strike quickly before security personnel can respond.   

The influence of Protect Duty Legislation  

In response to evolving security concerns, governments have started implementing new legislation to ensure venues are prepared for potential threats.

A significant example is the Protect Duty Legislation (also known as Martyn’s Law) in the UK, which requires public venues to implement enhanced security measures.

The law, named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, mandates those high-risk locations – including stadiums – take proactive steps to mitigate potential threats, including hostile vehicle attacks.  

Passed in 2024, Protect Duty reflects a commitment to public safety by pushing venues to adopt comprehensive security systems that include HVM technologies.

This proposed legislation is expected to affect over 650,000 businesses across various sectors in the UK, requiring them to bolster their security measures.

For venues, especially those like football stadiums that attract large crowds, integrating HVM strategies is no longer optional – it’s a necessary step toward complying with emerging legal requirements and ensuring the safety of their visitors.  

Tailored solutions for stadiums  

Sport and event stadiums, with their large crowds and open access points, are prime targets for vehicle-based attacks. To mitigate these threats, stadiums are turning to a mix of active and passive HVM technologies.

Jacksons Fencing offers a range of solutions that can be integrated into the stadium environment to create a multi-layered defence.  

Active HVM measures  

Active HVM measures include technologies designed to detect and respond to suspicious vehicle activity in real time.

These include systems that track vehicle movement, identify erratic driving behaviour and trigger alerts to security personnel.

When integrated into a stadium’s security infrastructure, these technologies can prevent attacks before they occur, allowing for swift intervention.  

Jacksons Fencing’s PAS 68 Bi-Folding Speed Gate is a key example of a rapid-response, active HVM solution.

These gates, which can open and close within six seconds, offer a discreet yet highly effective barrier against vehicle access.

The gates are ideal for stadiums where seamless access control is necessary and its minimal foundation requirements allow for flexible installation.

In addition, crash rated automated/retractable bollards respond in the same way to threats and are a convenient way to protect seasonal events or public places with high footfall at certain times of day.  

Passive HVM measures  

While active technologies respond to threats in real-time, passive measures are designed to prevent vehicles from reaching critical areas altogether and are preferred by authorities such as NPSA.

These include bollards and fences providing physical barriers that can stop or deflect vehicles attempting to breach restricted areas.

These measures are critical for reinforcing the perimeter of a stadium, ensuring that vehicles cannot access sensitive zones.  

Fixed bollards, tested to high impact standards, can prevent vehicles from breaching key access points while allowing pedestrian flow.

For example, Jacksons Fencing’s Static PAS 68 Bollards are designed to withstand significant impact.

Made from heavy-gauge steel and hot-dip galvanised for durability, these bollards can stop a heavy goods vehicle in its tracks.

They are perfect for use around stadium perimeters, ensuring that vehicles cannot approach key areas. 

For a discreet yet highly effective barrier, Jacksons Fencing’s Linebacker PAS 68 Crash Fence offers a cable crash system that can stop HGVs travelling at top speeds and is available in a timber post and rail cloaked option.

This system can be retrofitted to existing fencing, providing a cost-effective upgrade for venues looking to bolster their perimeter security.  

Integration with existing security systems  

Effective HVM solutions go beyond stand-alone measures; they must be seamlessly integrated into a venue’s overall security infrastructure.

Automatic crash bollards and Bi-Folding Speed Gates, are designed to integrate easily with surveillance systems, access control and emergency response protocols.

By coordinating these technologies, stadiums can establish a layered security approach that maximises safety without disrupting operations.  

The importance of HVM in protecting public spaces cannot be overstated. From football stadiums, to concert venues, to government buildings, HVM strategies are vital in preventing vehicle-based attacks and ensuring public safety.

The Protect Duty legislation in the UK highlights the need for stricter security measures, prompting venue owners and operators to enhance their defences.

By combining advanced technology with thoughtful design, public spaces can be secured, protect human lives, and preserve its integrity, creating environments where people can come together with confidence and safety.  

This article was originally published in the February 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.