Testing & Ratings for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation.
At CrowdGuard, quality and performance are paramount. We only specify and install products which meet stringent testing and rating standards set by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) – the UK’s technical authority on security product performance.
Only products that pass these rigorous tests are showcased in the NPSA catalogue of security equipment, ensuring you receive solutions that perform under real-world conditions.
Rigorous Testing Standards
Impact Testing
Impact testing involves crashing a vehicle of a known mass at a set speed into a security product. The outcome is measured by the penetration distance beyond the product’s front face, or, in some cases, by both the penetration and the dispersal of debris. These results indicate how effectively a product can stop or slow down an impacting vehicle.
Key standards used:
PAS-68 / IWA 14-1: Traditional benchmarks for impact performance.
ISO 22343-1:2023: Introduced in February 2024, this new global standard will become the sole impact testing reference for all new products, while existing approved products retain their awarded standards.
Delay Rated Testing
Delay rated testing verifies that a product can provide sufficient delay for occupants on the protected side of a barrier, granting them precious extra time to escape an attack. The outcomes are marked simply as a ‘pass’ in the NPSA catalogue. While the exact testing methodology is not disclosed publicly, this standard is strictly managed by the NPSA.
Note: Some products on the market might not appear in the NPSA catalogue due to differing testing locations or processes abroad. However, these products may still adhere to PAS-68, IWA 14-1, or ISO 22343-1 ratings. As always, due diligence is key to verify that products perform as manufacturers claim.
Vehicle Security Barriers
The NPSA catalogue includes a wide range of vehicle security barriers—each designed to meet specific needs and environments. Here’s a brief overview of the various types: We can help design your scheme with full specification utilising multiple manufacturers products.
Design:
Installed into the ground and raised or lowered to control vehicle access.
Performance:
Delivers maximum impact resistance with minimal vehicle penetration.
Best For:
High-security locations requiring robust vehicle denial without pedestrian access.
Design:
Available in fixed or retractable formats, allowing flexibility for controlled entry.
Performance:
Provides strong protection while maintaining pedestrian flow; may require significant foundation work to meet rating standards.
Best For:
Urban environments where both security and pedestrian permeability are important.
Design:
Operable systems designed for controlled vehicle entry and exit.
Performance:
Effective for vehicle control, though typically not suitable for pedestrian passage.
Best For:
Sites with clearly defined vehicle-only access points, such as perimeters or secure driveways.
Design:
Blends into public environments using aesthetic elements like benches, planters, or cycle stands.
Performance:
Engineered to meet security standards while enhancing the surrounding landscape.
Best For:
Public spaces where discreet, visually appealing security measures are preferred.
Why Testing and Ratings Matter
At Crowdguard, we don’t just install barriers — we deliver proven and trusted security solutions. Every Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) product we specify has undergone rigorous testing to meet established safety standards and performance benchmarks.
We specialise in designing bespoke HVM schemes that integrate products from multiple manufacturers, ensuring the right solution for each unique site. Beyond design, Crowdguard oversees the entire project, managing installation and delivery to provide a seamless, end-to-end service.
By adhering to strict testing regimes and quality standards, we ensure every solution performs exactly as intended, not just in theory, but in real-world conditions. This means you can have complete confidence in the reliability, effectiveness, and value of your investment.
Our commitment to certified, rated products guarantees that the measures we implement are built to protect people, property, and public spaces with performance that’s verified, not assumed.
For more detailed information, please refer to the NPSA Catalogue of Security Equipment https://www.npsa.gov.uk/cse-categories or the PSSA HVM hub link.
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