In an era where public safety threats are evolving, hostile vehicle attacks remain a serious risk for crowded places, civic spaces, and critical infrastructure. Whether accidental or deliberate, vehicle-based threats can cause significant harm to people, property, and public confidence.
That’s why hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) is now a core part of security planning—particularly for councils, event organisers, and asset managers responsible for spaces where vehicles and people interact.
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we offer independent HVM assessments aligned with ISO 22343-1:2023, the international standard for protective security — Hostile Vehicle Mitigation. We help you understand your risks, identify vulnerable points, and plan effective, standards-compliant protection strategies for your site.
What Is Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)?
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation refers to the planning and implementation of physical and procedural measures to prevent, deter, or minimise the impact of vehicle-borne threats. These threats may include:
- Deliberate ramming attacks using vehicles as weapons
- Unauthorised vehicle access to pedestrian areas or restricted zones
- Accidental incursions due to driver error or poor site layout
HVM is not just about putting up bollards. It’s about understanding the context, purpose, and use of a site, and applying the right combination of engineering, urban design, and operational controls to keep people safe without disrupting access or usability.
The Role of ISO 22343-1:2023
ISO 22343-1:2023 is the international standard that outlines a structured approach to hostile vehicle mitigation as part of broader protective security measures. It provides guidance on:
- Threat and vulnerability assessment
- Impact energy calculations
- Selection and rating of vehicle mitigation barriers
- Integration with existing infrastructure and operations
- Long-term planning, inspection, and maintenance
By aligning our assessments with ISO 22343-1:2023, we ensure that HVM strategies are not only effective, but defensible. This is especially important for government sites, public events, or locations where planning approvals or insurance risk reviews may apply.
Why Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Matters
Without appropriate planning, a vehicle can cause mass casualties in a matter of seconds—especially in dense, pedestrian-heavy spaces. Beyond terrorism, there are also daily risks posed by:
- Reckless driving
- Poorly designed site layouts
- Inadequate barriers or non-rated infrastructure
- Vehicle misuse in loading areas or carparks
Implementing HVM helps to:
- Prevent unauthorised access to secure or sensitive areas
- Reduce harm from intentional or accidental vehicle collisions
- Strengthen site readiness for large-scale public events
- Demonstrate due diligence in safety and planning
- Support compliance with standards and legal responsibilities
HVM isn’t just about safety—it’s about ensuring continued use and enjoyment of public places while managing the risk of high-impact events.
How We Deliver Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Assessments
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we specialise in independent, site-specific HVM assessments for government, commercial, and community sites. Our process includes:
Site Analysis and Context Mapping
We examine how your space is used, its vehicle access points, pedestrian zones, known vulnerabilities, and existing infrastructure.
Threat and Risk Profiling
Using ISO 22343-1 and ISO 31000 risk management methodology, we assess potential threat scenarios, including:
- Likely entry routes
- Potential vehicle speeds and sizes
- Crowd densities and site layout
Vulnerability and Impact Assessment
We evaluate physical conditions, blind spots, terrain, and perimeter gaps. Where relevant, we incorporate real-world traffic data to understand approach speeds and congestion.
Recommendations and Mitigation Strategy
We develop a tailored mitigation plan that may include:
- PAS 68 or IWA-14 rated bollards or barriers
- Natural landscaping or planter designs for subtle control
- Temporary solutions for event-specific needs
- Speed-reducing layouts and visual cues
- Procedural controls or staff-based vehicle screening
All recommendations are prioritised (short-, medium-, and long-term), cost-conscious, and integrated with the existing use of the space.
Ongoing Support and Integration
We can also help with:
- Tender scope development
- Engineering design input
- Planning approvals
- Future staging and budgeting strategies
We work with councils, architects, asset managers, and event teams to ensure that HVM is practical, aesthetic, and robust.
Who Needs Hostile Vehicle Mitigation?
HVM is essential for any site where vehicles and people intersect—and particularly for spaces that host crowds, have limited control over public access, or contain high-value infrastructure. We assist:
- Local governments and councils
- Public event organisers (markets, festivals, parades)
- Retail and commercial precincts
- Transport hubs and pedestrian thoroughfares
- Education campuses and schools
- Tourist or entertainment zones
- Critical infrastructure facilities
Whether permanent or temporary, we ensure HVM recommendations are tailored, scalable, and in line with both safety and operational needs.
Why Choose Smartsec Security Solutions?
- We are completely independent — no affiliations with product suppliers or contractors
- Our assessments are aligned with ISO 22343-1:2023 and other key standards
- We provide practical, non-intrusive solutions that support community use and accessibility
- We bring over 17 years of experience in physical security and risk consulting
- Our reports are designed for planners, engineers, operations teams, and leadership
Whether you’re responding to a risk, preparing for a major event, or designing new public infrastructure, we help you integrate HVM early—and do it right.
Need Help with Hostile Vehicle Mitigation?
Protecting people and public spaces starts with understanding the risk—and applying the right measures, in the right way.
To book a hostile vehicle mitigation assessment or discuss your needs, visit our Security Consulting Services page.
Let’s help you create safer, more resilient environments—without compromising usability or experience.
