Local Authorities
Year-Round HVM Solutions for Civic Events, Town Centres and Public Spaces
Crowdguard works in partnership with local authorities across the UK
Local authorities manage some of the UK’s busiest and most diverse public environments from pedestrianised high streets and civic squares to parks, promenades, markets and seasonal event spaces. These locations support a wide range of activities throughout the year, bringing communities together in ways that often increase footfall, concentrate pedestrian flow and intersect with vehicle routes.
Crowdguard works in partnership with local authorities across the UK to deliver practical, proportionate Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) for both everyday public realm operations and the extensive calendar of civic events. We ensure every solution temporary, semi-permanent or permanent is aligned with NPSA guidance, PSSA best practice, operational realities and the specific needs of local communities.
Our collaborative, end-to-end approach helps local authorities manage evolving public space requirements safely, confidently and cost-effectively.
Understanding Local Authority HVM Needs
Local authorities face varied and often overlapping responsibilities that make HVM planning more complex than single-site events. Key considerations include:
A 12-Month Event Calendar
Authorities deliver an extensive schedule of events that each bring unique crowd patterns, footprint layouts and road interactions. For example:
- summer festivals
- parades and processions
- seasonal markets
- public celebrations and civic activations
- food and drink festivals
- fireworks nights
- cultural programmes
Mixed Public Realm Environments
Councils must consider protection across:
- town and city centres
- pedestrian zones
- waterfronts and promenades
- parks and green spaces
- community squares
- shared-use areas and public transport links
Balancing Accessibility and Safety
Public spaces must remain open, welcoming and functional, with HVM integrated proportionately and sensitively.
Operational and Budgetary Realities
Authorities must demonstrate value, avoid overspecification, and ensure solutions are manageable for staff and partners.
Long-Term Vision and Urban Planning
Regeneration schemes, highways projects and placemaking initiatives often require a blend of temporary, semi-permanent and permanent HVM over time.
Crowdguard supports authorities in navigating these complexities through practical, transparent and risk-led guidance.
PLAN
Clear, Evidence-Based Assessment
We start with a proportionate Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA) and, where appropriate, a Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA).
This includes:
- event footprint reviews
- public realm assessments
- understanding existing standoff
- vehicle route analysis
- identifying vulnerable locations
- operational and access mapping
- collaboration with SAG stakeholders
Our focus is clarity, not complexity enabling proportionate, defensible decision-making.
PROVIDE
Flexible, Proportionate HVM Across the Calendar Year
Crowdguard is completely independent and product-agnostic, working with all major UK and European HVM manufacturers.
This ensures local authorities receive the most appropriate solution for each site, not just what is in stock.
We support authorities with:
- temporary HVM for short-duration events and one-off closures
- semi-permanent solutions for areas needing repeat use
- permanent bollards and street furniture for high-footfall or regenerated spaces
- removable solutions for controlled access
- vehicle access systems for operational or emergency needs
- perimeter protection for markets, compounds or back-of-house areas
Where a permanent scheme is in design or awaiting planning, we can deploy temporary HVM in the interim to maintain safety and continuity.
PROTECT
Safe Deployment, Servicing and End-to-End Support
Our highly trained teams provide full operational support, including:
- installation and de-rig
- safety checks and equipment validation
- support for event organisers and local staff
- long-term servicing for semi-permanent solutions
- documentation, reporting and lessons learned
- integration with council branding and public realm aesthetics
This partnership-led model ensures smoother operations and reduced burden on local authority teams.
Crowdguard in Action: Supporting Local Authorities Nationwide
Crowdguard supports large and small authorities across the UK with proportionate, reliable HVM for:
- city-centre regeneration schemes
- seasonal markets and Christmas events
- town-centre festivals, food events and cultural programming
- civic and ceremonial parades
- fireworks events
- summer and community festivals
- coastal and waterfront events
- high-profile visits and public gatherings
- temporary road closures for outdoor dining or public realm activation
Our work in Birmingham and Bradford demonstrates our expertise in integrated, long-term solutions that respect urban design, support operational flexibility and deliver certified protection without compromising character or accessibility.
Recommended HVM Approaches for Local Authorities
Temporary HVM for Events and Short-Term Activities
Ideal for:
- parades
- seasonal celebrations
- community events
- light switch-ons
- waterfront festivals
- open-air cinemas
- sports activations
We specify temporary protection from leading manufacturers chosen specifically for risk and operational context.
Semi-Permanent Solutions for Repeat Use
For locations used frequently throughout the year, we support the integration of semi-permanent systems such as:
- shallow-mount bollards
- removable or lockable posts
- integrated street furniture with certified performance
- controlled access points for market traders or maintenance vehicles
These solutions minimise disruption and reduce long-term operational burden.
Permanent Public Realm Protection
Where regeneration or highways projects call for long-term infrastructure, we integrate:
- permanent bollards
- impact-rated planters and benches
- controlled vehicle gates
- access portals for service and emergency vehicles
These solutions align with NPSA guidance, urban design principles and placemaking objectives.
Temporary HVM While Awaiting Planning
Where permanent schemes are progressing through design or approval, we provide temporary protection to maintain safety throughout the process.
Why Crowdguard?
- Experience supporting local authorities nationwide
- Clear, proportionate advice rooted in NPSA and PSSA guidance
- Independent, product-agnostic specification
- Full support across temporary, semi-permanent and permanent solutions
- Collaborative partnership with council teams, SAGs, TM companies and contractors
- Strong understanding of public realm, regeneration and event requirements
- National deployment capability with a large UK equipment base
- End-to-end service delivery and proven reliability
Talk to Our Local Authority Specialists
If your authority is planning events, upgrading public spaces or reviewing long-term public realm protection, we’re here to help.
Speak to our team for practical, proportionate HVM advice tailored to your community.
HVM For Local Authorities - Case Studies
Discover how our tailored HVM security solutions for local authorities have upheld public safety, and delivered peace of mind across a wide range of scenarios.