How to Protect Retail Forecourts from Vehicle-Based Attacks

Forecourts are most commonly associated with petrol stations, but the term can also apply to shopping centres and other retail environments where there is an open external space. These areas often include seating and dining areas, parking, pedestrian walkways, and convenience services that are accessible to both vehicles and the public.

Due to their open-plan layout, proximity to buildings, high-value stock, and in many cases 24-hour accessibility, forecourts are considered high-risk environments. 

Vehicle-based incidents are an increasing concern for retailers, particularly outside of normal trading hours when sites may be unattended or lightly staffed. These incidents are often linked to so-called cash and grab burglaries, where vehicles are used to force entry in order to quickly access cash machines or valuable goods.

The good news is that modern security solutions can significantly reduce the risk of this type of attack without restricting customer access or negatively affecting the appearance of a site. 

Below, we outline a range of bollard and barrier solutions that offer effective protection while remaining suitable for public-facing retail spaces.

Why forecourts are vulnerable

Forecourts share a number of common vulnerabilities that make them attractive targets for vehicle-based attacks, including:

• Wide, open entrances
• Close proximity of vehicles to buildings
• High-value goods and cash machines

The most common type of vehicle-based attack on a forecourt involves a vehicle being deliberately driven into the building or frontage to cause structural damage and gain rapid access to cash or stock. These incidents are often planned to take place quickly and can result in significant damage in a very short space of time.

The financial impact of such an incident can be considerable. Repairing damaged structures, clearing debris, addressing environmental issues such as fuel or oil spills, and managing legal costs or insurance claims can add up quickly. 

Compared to the cost and disruption of a successful attack, installing physical security measures such as bollards is often a far more cost-effective and proactive solution.

The importance of physical vehicle mitigation

While alarms, CCTV, and monitoring systems play an important role in site security, they do not physically prevent a vehicle from causing damage. In many cases, these measures only come into effect after an incident has already occurred.

Hostile vehicle mitigation is a proven preventative approach that focuses on physically stopping or slowing vehicles before they can reach vulnerable areas. This includes the use of impact-tested bollards and barriers that are specifically designed to withstand vehicle impact and protect buildings, people, and assets.

Visible, impact-rated solutions can act as a strong deterrent in their own right, as they clearly signal that a site is protected. At the same time, modern vehicle mitigation does not have to look industrial or intrusive. There are now a range of solutions that integrate discreetly into the public realm while still delivering a high level of protection.

Surface Mount Planters

The surface mount planter 40 is a freestanding security planter that has been crash tested to stop a 7.5 tonne vehicle travelling at 40mph. It provides instant hostile vehicle mitigation without the need for excavation and can be integrated with bench seating to enhance the look and functionality of a forecourt.

Key features:

• No foundations required
• Rapid installation and removal, in as little as one hour
• Dual purpose as security and landscaping

Surface mount planters are particularly well suited to forecourts where excavation is not possible due to underground services, or where a temporary or flexible solution is required. 

They are also an excellent option for shopping centre forecourts where maintaining an attractive and welcoming environment is just as important as providing robust security.

Side Slider Bollards

Side slider bollards are an effective option for sites that require occasional authorised vehicle access while maintaining a high level of protection. Rather than rising vertically, these bollards slide horizontally, making them ideal for locations with depth restrictions.

The side slider is one of the shallowest impact-tested sliding bollard available, with an installation depth of just 250mm. This makes it particularly suitable for forecourts with extensive underground utilities, as it significantly reduces the need for service diversions.

Key features:

• Shallow foundations
• Ideal for sites with underground services
• Manually operated and low maintenance

Side slider bollards allow authorised vehicles to pass when required while protecting vulnerable entry points during periods of higher risk.

Slimline Rising Bollards

Slimline rising bollards provide a high-security solution for forecourts that require controlled vehicle access without compromising on appearance. These bollards have been impact tested using a 7.5 tonne vehicle travelling at 30mph and are designed with a shallow foundation depth of just 450mm.

In the event of an impact, any damaged components can be removed and replaced without disturbing the foundations, helping to reduce downtime and repair costs.

Key features:

• Shallow mount at 450mm
• Impact-tested performance
• Discreet appearance that blends into the public realm

Slimline rising bollards are well suited to protecting storefronts, fuel pump areas, pedestrian zones, and other sensitive areas within a forecourt environment.

Truckstopper 7

The Truckstopper 7 is a shallow mount, impact-tested bollard designed for locations where installation depth is a critical consideration. It has been crash tested to stop a 7.5 tonne vehicle travelling at 40mph at both 90 and 45 degree angles and requires a foundation depth of just 200mm.

Tested as a single unit, the Truckstopper 7 is one of the easiest anti-terrorist bollards to install, making it ideal for forecourts with limited groundworks tolerance or complex underground services.

The bollard can be supplied as either a fixed or removable unit and is available with a choice of round, oval, or rectangular shrouds. Its slimline oval shroud option offers a particularly discreet finish, making it popular with architects and retailers who require high levels of protection without a heavy visual impact.

A range of crash-rated street furniture is also available to complement the Truckstopper 7, allowing security to be integrated seamlessly into the wider forecourt design.

Choose the right bollard for your forecourt

No two forecourts are the same, which is why it is important to consider factors such as:

• Site layout
• Underground services
• Traffic flow
• Aesthetic requirements

In many cases, a combination of solutions will deliver the best result. For example, surface mount planters can provide immediate protection and visual appeal, while side slider or rising bollards allow controlled vehicle access where required.

Proactive forecourt security planning is essential to reducing risk and protecting both people and property. With the right approach, vehicle mitigation does not need to be intrusive or detract from the customer experience.

Rhino Security works closely with retailers and forecourt operators to design and install tailored vehicle mitigation solutions for each site. Contact our team today to discuss how we can help protect your forecourt while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for customers.