In today’s world, securing public and semi-public spaces requires more than just CCTV and access control. As vehicle-based threats become more prominent — both accidental and deliberate — organisations need to ensure that their sites are protected against high-impact vehicle incursions. This is where HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) becomes essential.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation refers to the strategies, structures, and planning techniques used to prevent or reduce the impact of unauthorised or deliberate vehicle intrusions. It’s a crucial layer of physical security for high-profile sites, pedestrian areas, critical infrastructure, and event spaces.
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we help councils, developers, event organisers, and commercial property managers assess their HVM risks and implement fit-for-purpose, standards-aligned protection strategies.
In this article, we’ll explain what HVM involves, why it matters, what standards apply in Australia, and how we can help you determine what your site needs.
What Is HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation)?
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation is a security design strategy that protects people and infrastructure from vehicle-based threats. These may include:
- Deliberate attacks (e.g., vehicles used as weapons)
- Ramming or forced entry into secure facilities
- Accidental incursion into pedestrian zones
- Ram-raid-style theft at retail and commercial premises
HVM typically includes physical measures like bollards, barriers, planter boxes, street furniture, and vehicle exclusion zones — but it also encompasses design, placement, spacing, and operational protocols that make those measures effective.
Why HVM Matters in Australia
While Australia has not experienced the same scale of vehicle attacks as some other countries, incidents such as the 2017 Melbourne Bourke Street attack, and ram-raid events across retail precincts, have made it clear that this is not a hypothetical threat.
Local governments, event organisers, and critical infrastructure managers are increasingly being held to higher standards of due diligence — and that includes consideration of hostile vehicle risks.
In many cases, authorities are now requiring that HVM be addressed for:
- Major civic events and festivals
- Public plazas and high-traffic pedestrian areas
- Transport hubs and train stations
- Outdoor dining or laneway activations
- Retail centres with vulnerable frontages
- Critical infrastructure assets (water, power, data centres)
- Public infrastructure projects under development
What HVM Is Not
It’s important to understand that HVM is not just installing bollards. Poorly designed or incorrectly spaced bollards may create a false sense of security while failing to meet the required performance standards.
True hostile vehicle mitigation considers:
- What kind of threat is realistic for the site?
- What speed and weight should the barrier withstand?
- Is the layout preventing pedestrian access or breaching accessibility standards?
- What standards should the system comply with?
That’s why planning and expert advice matter — especially when public safety, asset protection, and liability are involved.
HVM Standards in Australia
Until recently, many Australian HVM projects referenced the UK’s PAS 68 or IWA 14-1 standards. However, in 2023, a new standard was introduced that now forms the benchmark:
ISO 22343-1:2023 – Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Guidelines
This standard provides a comprehensive framework for:
- Understanding vehicle threat types
- Establishing protection objectives
- Selecting and spacing barriers
- Designing zones for pedestrian and service access
- Ensuring product testing and certification
- Considering operational and maintenance requirements
At Smartsec, all of our HVM reviews and specifications are aligned with ISO 22343-1, and wherever applicable, we also factor in:
- AS 1428.1 – for pedestrian access and mobility
- ISO 31000 – for structured risk assessment
- Local planning codes – for infrastructure upgrades or new developments
HVM Risk Assessment: What It Involves
Before specifying bollards or barriers, it’s essential to conduct a structured HVM risk assessment. At Smartsec, we follow a staged process that includes:
Site Context Analysis
We examine:
- The layout of roads, access points, footpaths, and open spaces
- Existing infrastructure, landscaping, and fencing
- Event-based or seasonal changes in pedestrian volume
- Public versus service vehicle zones
Threat Scenario Planning
We identify and assess possible threats based on:
- Vehicle type and weight
- Likely speed at point of impact
- Driver intent (accidental, criminal, hostile)
- Potential impact areas (e.g. crowded pedestrian zones)
Control Review
We evaluate current controls, such as:
- Bollards or other physical barriers
- Landscaping that prevents approach
- Access control for service vehicles
- Operational procedures for events or after-hours activity
Gap Analysis and Recommendations
We provide clear, practical recommendations based on:
- Site-specific risk profiles
- Required performance ratings (e.g. penetration depth, stand-off distance)
- Visual and functional integration with site use
- Accessibility compliance (minimum 1000 mm pedestrian clearance)
- Long-term maintenance and inspection needs
Solutions We May Recommend
Our HVM advice is always vendor-neutral and site-specific. Common solutions include:
- Fixed or removable bollards
- Rated street furniture (seating, bins, lighting poles)
- Landscaping features (earth berms, planter boxes)
- Vehicle exclusion zones through design
- Traffic calming or chicane-style approaches
- Controlled access gates or service barriers
We work to balance security, aesthetics, public access, and regulatory obligations — ensuring your site is protected without being over-fortified.
Who Needs HVM Advice?
You should consider a professional HVM review if you:
- Manage a council park, plaza, or laneway
- Operate a shopping precinct, market, or public event site
- Are planning a transport, education, or health infrastructure project
- Need to protect critical infrastructure from hostile access
- Have been advised to implement bollards or barriers — but don’t know what kind, or why
HVM is not just about “installing something” — it’s about installing the right solution for the right risk, in the right way.
Why Choose Smartsec Security Solutions?
Smartsec Security Solutions is a Perth-based, fully independent security consultancy. We do not sell or install products — which means you get advice you can trust, based solely on your needs.
We bring over 17 years of experience in physical security and infrastructure risk, with a focus on:
- ISO-aligned risk assessments
- Public and event space protection
- HVM design advice for councils, developers, and planners
- CPTED and public safety integration
- Compliance with ISO 22343-1 and AS 1428.1 standards
Whether you need a one-off assessment, design advice, or documentation for a grant or planning submission, we’re ready to help.
Let’s Talk
If you’re considering HVM for your site — or if you’ve already been told you need bollards or vehicle controls — don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Speak with an independent expert first.
Smartsec Security Solutions can help you assess risk, choose the right strategy, and ensure your site is protected, accessible, and future-ready.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation or learn more about our HVM services.
