Across the UK, events of every scale bring communities together from food festivals, concerts and charity runs to marathons, parades and cultural celebrations. With increased footfall comes an increased responsibility to protect attendees from accidental or deliberate vehicle movements. Crowdguard provides temporary HVM and vehicle security barrier solutions that keep people safe while ensuring events remain open, accessible and enjoyable.
We take a calm, proportionate approach grounded in national guidance from NPSA and PSSA. Our specialists work closely with event organisers, Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs), local authorities, police and Traffic Management (TM) partners to design temporary HVM schemes that are informed by risk, operational needs and the unique characteristics of each location.
Whether you’re planning a city-centre celebration, a local community fair or a major event attracting tens of thousands of people, Crowdguard delivers trusted, flexible and fully compliant protection that reduces risk without impacting the visitor experience.
Understanding Vehicle-Related Risk at Events
Every event environment is different, but several common factors influence the need for temporary HVM:
Proximity to Live Roads
Predictable Crowding
Lack of Natural Standoff
Ingress and egress peaks, queueing areas and vendor zones naturally concentrate people in specific locations.
Many events take place adjacent to vehicle routes or within town-centre spaces where vehicles could reach crowds without intervention.
Open squares, wide pavements or temporary event footprints often provide little separation between pedestrians and vehicles.
Accidental Vehicle Incursion Risk
Even without malicious intent, driver error or confusion can pose a risk in mixed-use environments.
Crowdguard’s role is to help organisers understand these factors through proportionate, real-world assessment preventing overspecification and ensuring planning decisions remain practical and justified.
PLAN
PLAN – Risk-led analysis for informed decisions
We begin with a threat, vulnerability and risk assessment (TVRA), and where appropriate, a vehicle dynamics assessment (VDA). This identifies realistic vulnerabilities, crowd movement patterns and operational constraints.
We never overstate risk our goal is clarity, not complexity.
PROVIDE
PROVIDE – A tailored HVM specification
Using insights from the PLAN stage, we design a temporary HVM scheme aligned with NPSA guidance and the needs of your event. This may include:
- temporary HVM
- vehicle security barriers
- pedestrian-permeable solutions
- access-controlled openings for emergency vehicles
- branding opportunities or wayfinding
Our design always prioritises practicality, permeability and proportionate protection.
PROTECT
PROTECT – Professional deployment and on-site support
Our trained technicians install temporary HVM systems strictly “as tested,” ensuring every deployment aligns with certified configurations and approved specifications. We complete thorough pre-event checks to confirm the scheme is safe, compliant and operationally ready.
After the event, we manage efficient de-rig, providing documentation and post-event reporting where required to support accountability and continuous improvement.
Crowdguard in Action: Trusted Event Protection Nationwide
Crowdguard has delivered temporary HVM for hundreds of events across the UK, covering a broad range of formats, footprints and requirements. These include:
London Marathon and major running events delivering multi-site protection using H-Stop and ARX Stopper to secure start/finish areas and high-risk access points while maintaining permeability for 56,000 runners and 800,000 spectators.
Edinburgh Fringe a complex city-centre environment requiring flexible, sensitive temporary HVM integrated into a historic public realm.
Lionesses’ Homecoming, Manchester rapid, proportionate temporary HVM aligned with high public footfall and media attendance.
Paisley Food & Drink Festival temporary HVM across multiple junctions for a bustling town-centre event.
Community events, fairs, parades, concerts and markets nationwide.
These examples demonstrate how Crowdguard supports organisers with real-world expertise, trusted equipment and a collaborative approach that puts safety and experience first.
Recommended Temporary HVM Solutions for Events
Our product-agnostic approach ensures every specification is aligned to risk, not inventory. Depending on your environment, we may recommend:
Husson H-Stop
- ISO 22343-1 impact rated
- VADS RATED
- Single-unit tested (1200mm)
- Wheeled, rapid deployment by one operative
- High pedestrian permeability
ARX Stopper!
- PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 impact rated
- VADS RATED
- Robust
- Suitable for uneven roads and high-footfall routes
ATG Surface Guard
- PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 impact rated
- VADS RATED
- Robust
- Suitable for uneven roads and high-footfall routes
The Claw
- IWA 14-1 impact rated and VADS-capable
- Drop-and-go deployment
- Tamper-resistant and urban adaptable
RB50
- IWA 14-1 impact rated
- Surface-mounted
- Allows authorised vehicle access in controlled scenarios
- 4m rated road blocker
Armis ONE / Armis GO
- ISO 22343-1 impact-rated
- Fully surface-placed (GO) or rapid-operable (ONE)
- Excellent pedestrian permeability
- Singke unit rated
Unafor Core (Semi-Permanent)
- IWA 14-1 shallow mount
- Ideal for annual events or repeated locations
- Integrates with planters, seating or decorative street furniture
Every recommendation is matched to realistic risk, not “maximum strength”, ensuring solutions remain proportionate, cost-effective and operationally workable.
Why Crowdguard?
- Risk-led, proportionate methodology never excessive, never underspecified
- Proven event expertise across hundreds of deployments
- Largest suite of temporary HVM in the UK
- Independent, product-agnostic approach
- Trusted by local authorities, event organisers, and national partners
- Collaborative working with TM, police, security and SAGs
- National coverage with strategic stock locations
- Plan • Provide • Protect model delivering end-to-end assurance
Talk to Our Event Protection Specialists
If you’re planning an event and want practical and proportionate advice on temporary HVM or crowd protection, we’re here to help.
Speak to the Crowdguard team for guidance tailored to your event, location and operational needs.
Event Protection Case Studies
Discover how our tailored event security solutions have protected high-profile events, ensured public safety, and delivered peace of mind across a wide range of scenarios.