Understanding HVM for Events
What is Hostile Vehicle Mitigation?
- Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) is the delivery of measures that are informed by the threat and how it manifests itself, the multiple consequences of an attack, the vulnerability of a given location, and the needs of the enterprise requiring protection.
The basis of HVM is security risk assessments, security planning and design, and the deployment of risk-based measures. HVM is a protective security discipline focusing on reducing risks associated with vehicle-borne threats posed by terrorists and criminals.
What are HVM Measures?
- HVM measures are the integrated deployment of security processes, procedures, and physical obstructions to counter vehicle-borne threats. They typically include:
- Deterrent communications and security awareness
- Incident response planning and training
- Operational security and traffic management
- Physical obstructions such as vehicle security barriers and traffic-calming measures
Do I Need HVM at My Event?
Our new free guide provides clear, proportionate advice to help you understand:
- When HVM may be appropriate
- When it is unlikely to be required
- What steps to consider before exploring any physical measures
It is designed to support informed, risk-led decision-making – not to promote products or sell security solutions.
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Understanding and Implementing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)
Effective protection against vehicle-borne threats requires more than just barriers — it demands a comprehensive understanding of risks, site vulnerabilities, and the strategic deployment of countermeasures. Below, we break down the key components of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation to help you plan, prepare, and protect with confidence.
Reducing Risks assosiated with Vehicle Borne Threats
- Parked VBIED: Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device left unattendedÂ
- Encroachment: Exploiting gaps in defences or tailgating authorised vehiclesÂ
- Penetrative Ramming: Using a vehicle to ram through barriers or perimeter defencesÂ
- Deception: Trojan vehicle used to bypass defencesÂ
- Duress: Forcing a guard to open a barrier or deliver an explosive deviceÂ
- Tamper / Sabotage: Damaging barriers or tampering with security systemsÂ
- Insider: Collusion with staff or authorised personnelÂ
Vulnerability of Locations
When assessing your venue, consider:Â
- Approach Roads: Long and straight vs narrow and windingÂ
- Queues: Where might people queue to enterÂ
- Staffing: Number of staff on duty and their postureÂ
- Event Duration: Could a hostile actor attend in the days leading up?Â
- Exit Routes: Routes people will use to go homeÂ
- Entry Processes: Gates or checkpoints, and their throughputÂ
- Time of Day: Areas that may be quiet at start but busy at endÂ
Deployment of Risk-Based Measures
All deployed measures must be based on a thorough risk assessment and form part of an overarching Counter-Terrorism (CT) plan. What is right for one event or location may not suit another, even in the same square.Â
Example: A craft fair might not need rated vehicle barriers, but a royal visit with crowds and VIPs will.Â
Four Functions of HVM:
Four Functions of HVM:Â
- Deter: Stop or displace the attackÂ
- Detect: Verify an attack and initiate responseÂ
- Delay: Maximise time to respond via rated barriersÂ
- Mitigate: Minimise consequences of any breach
- Respond: Prevent the attacker completing their goalÂ
Security Processes & Procedures
The security processes and procedures that could be used, as part of the HVM scheme, are not set in stone.
The number and types of layers required and considered appropriate and proportionate will be deemed by the risk assessment.
These layers all work together to ensure that even if a hostile actor goes undetected at one, there is a possibility that they will be discovered or deterred by the next.
Physical Obstructions
- Leverage existing site features where you can:Â
- Changes in elevation, steps, banks or waterÂ
- Permanently rated or semi-permanent vehicle barriersÂ
- Bunds or planters to channel trafficÂ
- Permanent rated barriers come with known performance data—always check they’re in the NPSA Catalogue of Security Equipment.Â
Counter-Terrorism Plan
- No barrier is foolproof. An attack might transition into a layered assault—IEDs, firearms, edged weapons, fire. Your CT plan must cover:Â
- Response protocols for marauding attacksÂ
- Medical and evacuation plansÂ
- Coordination with local police & emergency servicesÂ
Well-deployed barriers only delay—you need procedures ready to act in that critical window.Â
Vehicle Security Barriers (VSBs)
VSBs prevent unauthorised vehicle entry. Always choose products with official impact- or delay-ratings:Â
Impact Tested
Standards ISO 22343-1, PAS 68, IWA14-1. Vehicles of known mass/speed are driven into them to measure penetration.
Delay Rated
Tested under Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADS). Slower, repeated impacts yield a pass/fail—designed to buy time.Â
All Crowdguard barriers carry NPSA ratings. Check: www.npsa.gov.uk/cse-categoriesÂ
Need HVM Support?Â
Contact Crowdguard today for bespoke risk assessments, CT planning and fully rated barrier deployments tailored to your event.Â
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