Many sports clubs invest in temporary HVM, which plays an important role in protecting spectators at sporting events, particularly where vehicle restrictions are only needed on matchdays or for occasional fixtures.
However, as clubs continue to invest in their stadiums, expand fan zones, host concerts and community events, and improve the spaces around their venues, there are instances where a semi-permanent HVM solution may provide a more practical long-term approach.
Every venue is different
No two sports clubs face exactly the same challenges.
A Premier League stadium welcoming tens of thousands of supporters every fortnight operates very differently to a local League club run by a small safety team. Some venues sit within busy city centres, while others are surrounded by residential streets. Increasingly, many stadiums are no longer used solely for sport, becoming concert venues, conference centres and community hubs throughout the year.
These differences influence how HVM should be considered. Rather than asking, “What barrier do we need?”, the better question is, “How does this venue operate, and what solution best supports it?”
That philosophy sits at the heart of Crowdguard’s Plan – Provide – Protect methodology, ensuring HVM is aligned with operational requirements, budget and risk rather than applying the same solution to every stadium.
When does a semi-permanent solution become the proportionate choice?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to HVM. What is proportionate will depend on the findings of a site-specific risk assessment and the individual requirements of the location.
However, for venues that require vehicle restrictions at the same locations throughout the season, a semi-permanent solution may become a more appropriate choice. Rather than installing protection from scratch for every event, infrastructure is already in place and can be deployed quickly when needed.
At Aston Villa, Crowdguard worked with the club to install Unafor Core around the Villa Park fan zone. The shallow-mount system allows the impact-rated bollard cores to be manually lifted into position before matchdays and removed afterwards, maintaining authorised vehicle access outside event periods while providing certified protection when the fan zone is in use.
The same approach benefits venues that host frequent events beyond sport. At Chester Racecourse, Unafor Core provides a flexible solution that can be rapidly deployed for race days and removed afterwards, reducing operational time while supporting the venue’s day-to-day use.
Temporary and semi-permanent solutions both have a role
Choosing a semi-permanent solution does not mean temporary HVM is no longer required.
Many stadiums continue to rely on temporary systems to protect Zone Ex areas where roads are closed only during ingress and egress. In these situations, products such as ATG Surface Guard can provide an effective temporary solution, combining rapid installation, excellent pedestrian permeability and authorised vehicle access where operationally required.
Rather than viewing temporary and semi-permanent HVM as competing options, the choice between them should be driven by the assessed risk and operational requirements, rather than by the type of infrastructure itself.
One part of a venue may benefit from permanent or semi-permanent infrastructure, while another may only require temporary protection during specific operational periods.
The objective is always the same: delivering proportionate risk mitigation based on the operational requirement, not simply installing more infrastructure.
Practicality matters as much as protection
Operational simplicity is often one of the biggest drivers behind semi-permanent HVM.
Unlike automated systems, manually operated solutions such as Unafor Core remove many of the servicing and maintenance requirements associated with powered bollards while still allowing authorised vehicle access when required. The system’s shallow-mount foundation also reduces excavation compared with many traditional installations, making it suitable for sites where underground services or existing infrastructure make deeper construction impractical.
For clubs, that means less disruption during installation and a solution that becomes part of everyday operations rather than something that requires specialist intervention every matchday.
Making security part of the stadium environment
Sports clubs work hard to create welcoming, recognisable environments for supporters, so security infrastructure should enhance that experience wherever possible.
One of Unafor Core’s unique advantages is that the certified protective core remains the same while the external shroud can be tailored to suit the surrounding environment. Whether that’s matching club colours, complementing heritage architecture or incorporating seating, planters or branded finishes, the result is infrastructure that blends into the public realm rather than dominating it.
Stockport County provides a good example of how this approach can deliver additional value. Alongside enhancing matchday safety, branded covers and integrated QR codes allow supporters to access ticketing and club information, giving the infrastructure a practical purpose beyond security.
As Richard Hinks from Stockport County explains:
“The branded covers we use with the Unafor Core upstands are an added bonus, giving our counter terrorism protection a dual purpose.”
For other clubs, bespoke finishes can also provide opportunities for sponsorship or advertising, helping to offset investment while ensuring protective infrastructure complements its surroundings. Many visitors do not even realise the features they are walking past are certified security barriers, making these HVM solutions very discreet.
Looking beyond the initial investment
Budget is naturally one of the biggest considerations when investing in stadium infrastructure, particularly for smaller clubs.
However, semi-permanent HVM should be viewed as part of a longer-term operational strategy rather than simply a one-off security purchase. Reduced deployment time, lower operational resource requirements, improved aesthetics and opportunities for branding or sponsorship all contribute to the wider value of the investment.
Importantly, that doesn’t mean every venue should install semi-permanent HVM. Some clubs may find temporary deployments remain the most proportionate solution for years to come. Others may benefit from combining temporary protection in Zone Ex with semi-permanent infrastructure at key access points used throughout the season.
The right answer will always depend on the venue, its operations and its risk profile, and every decision should begin with careful planning and competent assessment.
Finding the right balance
If your club is reviewing its stadium infrastructure, expanding a fan zone or exploring long-term HVM options, Crowdguard can help you assess what is appropriate for your venue. Get in touch with our team to discuss a proportionate, risk-led approach to protecting your supporters while maintaining the accessibility and character of your stadium.