Debbie Heald MBE, Managing Director of Heald, explains why the security industry need to adopt more proactive measures when it comes to public safety.

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that the security landscape has undergone some significant changes, highlighting the importance of proactive security measures like hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM).  

From the progression of Martyn’s Law through Parliament (also known as Protect Duty or the Terrorism Protection of Premises Bill) to vehicle attacks that have tragically claimed lives, the past year has served as a stark reminder of the growing need for robust and reliable security systems.  

As we enter 2025, the urgency to install and maintain HVM systems has never been more vital.  

Event security, highstreets and public areas 

With major events scheduled to take place across the UK and around the globe, alongside the general increase of busy high streets as councils attempt to revive communities, businesses and local authorities need to consider the role HVM plays in safeguarding public spaces.  

These events and spaces, often drawing large crowds, pose inherent risks and proper planning for vehicle threats is not just a precaution but a crucial part of saving lives.

Installing bollards and barriers around event venues or busy public spaces can effectively manage crowd flow, deter unauthorised access and protect against vehicle attacks.  

Heald’s range of innovative security solutions, rigorously tested to industry standards, offers reliable protection tailored to the specific needs of different event spaces.

Moreover, these perimeter security measures not only create a physical barrier but also serve as a visible deterrent, reassuring attendees and dissuading potential threats.  

Alongside bollards and barriers, business and local authorities must ensure that this ties into a broader security framework.

This means integrating HVM measures with other security solutions. 

In conjunction with perimeter security solutions, comprehensive surveillance systems provide constant monitoring and early detection of suspicious activities.

Additionally, deploying well-trained security personnel ensures prompt response to incidents and enhances crowd management capabilities; this is particularly important at the entrance of venues and pedestrianised areas.  

Effective emergency response protocols mitigate risks and ensure swift and coordinated action in crises.

The combination of these elements, alongside effective hostile vehicle mitigation solutions, ultimately contributes to the desired outcome of safe visitors and secure event environments.  

The increase in public transport and pedestrianisation  

Looking at broader changes to recent government strategies, we can see that interestingly, there has been an increasing push on public transport use and promoting pedestrianisation.

These are all goals aimed at reducing congestion, lowering emissions and making our cities and towns more accessible.  

However, more pedestrian traffic in urban areas brings its own challenges.

While making public areas safer and more walkable is commendable, the need to protect pedestrians from potential vehicle threats is often treated as an afterthought.  

For example, consider the tragic incidents of vehicles unintentionally driving into pedestrian-heavy zones, such as bus stops (which would likely get even busier after an event, or, during the summer holidays).

It’s easy to overlook the risks until it’s too late, but these scenarios remind us that safety measures must evolve to address the increasing presence of pedestrians in areas that are usually more car dominated.  

As we’ve seen with devastating consequences in recent years, it’s not just deliberate attacks that are a danger; accidental collisions, often at bus stops or busy walkways, have tragically led to fatalities.  

A comprehensive approach to public safety that accounts for the unpredictable risks of vehicles entering pedestrian areas should be at the forefront of anyone responsible for public space planning and event security.  

The importance of maintaining HVM solutions 

As we prepare for the challenges of the year ahead, it’s essential to recognise that HVM isn’t a set-and-forget solution either. It requires ongoing maintenance to ensure that these protective measures remain effective.  

The most common issue with product function is usually due to a lack of ongoing maintenance.

While many sites take maintenance seriously, it can often be overlooked during the product procurement process, or an ongoing maintenance budget has not been set aside to ensure product longevity and remove the need for costly replacements.  

With Heald’s bollards securing some of the world’s most high-profile locations, we know exactly how regular maintenance supports their ability to perform at the highest standard.

A duty of care to undertake ongoing service and maintenance is vital to ensure optimal performance and extend product life to ensure these measures are always operational to protect lives.  

So, how often should HVM products typically be inspected or maintained to ensure they remain fully operational?

The frequency of inspections and maintenance depends on several factors, including the site itself, level of security, weather and the volume of daily operations.  

Maintenance should be approached as part of a collective care strategy for the product. However, users should take an active role and duty of care, as they’re responsible for ensuring the product is properly maintained.

For example, spotting an oil leak might avoid more serious repairs or failure in the future.  

Investing in a maintenance package which provides more thorough inspections on a monthly or yearly basis (depending on level of usage), is highly recommended.

Unfortunately, many people tend to adopt a wait until it breaks attitude and only consider maintenance when a product develops a fault or stops working entirely.  

For temporary events, which usually deploy static or manual products and are for a shorter period of time, products must be checked and serviced after and before each event.

Users should also be aware of how the product is performing during the event. Depending on the length of deployment, a service may be required.  

At Heald, we always design and manufacture to minimise heavy maintenance requirements, but we always recommend a robust service package.

We supply products all over the world, which operate in environmental extremes.

Correctly maintained our products provide years of reliable operation and have been in the field in their original configuration for over 25 years.  

A note on Martyn’s Law 

Whilst there isn’t a confirmed date for when Martyn’s Law comes into action, businesses are advised to start preparing for Martyn’s Law as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the legislation.

The deadline to reach minimum compliance was originally said to be May to November 2023, however, in January 2025, Martyn’s Law has only just had its second reading in the House of Lords and is currently undergoing several days of scrutiny at the Committee stage. 

With this in mind and a heightened risk of vehicle attacks, businesses must begin preparations promptly to meet Martyn’s Law obligations and enhance their premises’ safety and security.

Taking early action demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding against potential risks and protecting the well-being of employees and the public.  

The introduction of Martyn’s Law will make venues more accountable and safer for all attendees and while the responsibility for the protection of places is focused on the protective measures themselves, regular maintenance is a crucial part of the continued protection of people and places.  

With several vehicle attacks having already claimed lives unnecessarily in the past few months, including the tragic attack at Magdeburg’s Christmas market in Germany on December 20th, 2024 and the New Orleans attack on New Year’s Day 2025, enhancing perimeter security is more vital than ever.  

While Martyn’s Law will only apply within the UK, these horrific events serve as a stark reminder of the global prevalence of HVM attacks, including those within the UK.

The urgency of passing this legislation cannot be overstated.  

2025 is set to bring a changing international landscape, and at Heald, alongside our international partners, we’re dedicated to helping to make the world a safer place.  

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