Vehicles are a part of everyday life—but in the wrong hands, they can become tools for harm. Whether through deliberate acts or unintended incidents, vehicle intrusions into public spaces pose serious safety risks.
That’s why a hostile vehicle mitigation assessment is essential for any organisation responsible for high-foot-traffic areas, events, or vulnerable infrastructure.
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we provide independent HVM assessments aligned with ISO 22343-1:2023, helping local governments, asset managers, developers, and event organisers in Western Australia assess and plan for vehicle-related threats without compromising usability or access.
What Is a Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Assessment?
A hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) assessment is a structured review of your site’s vulnerability to vehicle-borne threats. It identifies how and where a vehicle could breach a space—intentionally or accidentally—and recommends tailored solutions to prevent or reduce the impact.
This may include assessing:
- Entry points and perimeter gaps
- Crowd gathering areas or high-traffic pedestrian zones
- Speed and approach angles
- Protection of critical assets (e.g. utilities, entryways, lobbies)
- Existing physical barriers and their effectiveness
- Suitability for rated HVM systems (e.g. PAS 68, IWA-14, ISO 22343-1:2023)
The goal is to deliver practical, proportionate, and site-specific recommendations that improve safety without overengineering or limiting public function.
Why Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Matters
Whether you’re managing a civic space, planning a festival, or designing a commercial forecourt, vehicle-based threats should be part of your security planning.
These threats include:
- Intentional attacks, where a vehicle is used as a weapon
- Unauthorised access, including ram raids or breaches
- Driver error or confusion, leading to unintended incursions
An effective HVM strategy:
- Prevents or deters hostile vehicles from reaching vulnerable spaces
- Reduces impact energy in the event of a breach
- Enhances crowd safety during events or peak use periods
- Supports planning approvals and WHS compliance
- Demonstrates proactive risk management and due diligence
ISO 22343-1:2023 – The Global Standard for HVM
We align all hostile vehicle mitigation assessments with ISO 22343-1:2023, the internationally recognised standard for protective security against vehicle threats.
This standard provides a consistent framework to:
- Assess risk and threat likelihood
- Select vehicle mitigation measures based on risk severity
- Define performance and certification standards (e.g. crash ratings)
- Integrate mitigation with operational and aesthetic needs
By following ISO 22343-1, we ensure your HVM plan is compliant, defensible, and suitable for both temporary and permanent solutions.
Our Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Assessment Process
Smartsec Security Solutions follows a practical, structured approach:
Site Analysis
We begin by inspecting your site layout, traffic access points, pedestrian flow, landscape features, and existing controls. We gather data to understand how vehicles move around and toward the area.
Threat and Risk Profiling
Using ISO 31000 and ISO 22343-1 methodologies, we assess the likelihood and potential impact of vehicle-related threats. This includes evaluating public accessibility, crowd density, and symbolic or functional targets.
Vulnerability Assessment
We identify areas where vehicles could enter, accelerate, or cause maximum harm—such as open plazas, building entries, or gathering spaces. Real-world traffic speeds, approach angles, and terrain are considered.
Recommendations and Mitigation Strategy
Based on your risk profile and site needs, we recommend practical options such as:
- Fixed or removable bollards (PAS 68/IWA-14 certified)
- Planters, seating, or landscaping with protective function
- Temporary barrier systems for events
- Road design changes to limit speed or approach
- Staff-based access controls or monitored entry points
We prioritise recommendations into short, medium, and long-term actions for implementation clarity.
Documentation and Reporting
You’ll receive a detailed, plain-language report with:
- Site findings and vulnerabilities
- Risk rating and threat profile
- HVM strategy aligned with ISO 22343-1
- Visual references and annotated maps (if needed)
- Procurement or design input for selected options
Who We Help
We conduct HVM assessments for a wide range of clients, including:
- Local governments and councils – for streetscapes, civic plazas, and parklands
- Event organisers – for festivals, parades, and temporary activations
- Architects and developers – integrating HVM into new builds or upgrades
- Retail precincts and shopping centres – to protect pedestrian zones or entrances
- Transport hubs and campuses – with mixed vehicle and foot traffic
- Critical infrastructure operators – with high-profile or at-risk assets
Whether you need a one-off review or integrated planning support, we deliver independent advice you can rely on.
Why Choose Smartsec Security Solutions?
- We’re 100% independent – we don’t sell or install HVM products
- Our assessments are aligned with ISO 22343-1:2023 and ISO 31000
- We tailor recommendations to real-world use, not generic guidelines
- We work across urban, regional, and event-based environments
- We offer clear, actionable reporting that supports grants, planning, or procurement
- We provide advice based on over 17 years of security risk experience in WA
Need a Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Assessment?
If you’re planning a public space, managing an event, or responding to a known risk, we can help. Our hostile vehicle mitigation assessments give you clarity, confidence, and compliance—without overengineering or vendor bias.
To book an HVM assessment or learn more, visit our Security Consulting Services page.
Let’s help you plan safer, smarter environments—built to protect, not just react.
