What are Anti-Terrorism Bollards?

Unfortunately, there are situations where a great deal of damage can be caused to people by individuals. When these tragedies occur, it is often in spaces that house large crowds, like music venues or busy public areas that are targeted. Because of this, certain spaces and buildings must have advanced security measures in place.

Also known as Vehicle Security Barriers (VSB), anti-terror bollards are used to help prevent dangerous attacks against property or large crowds of people via vehicle. 

In this post, we’ll discuss why anti-terrorism posts are essential as part of a larger security plan.

What do anti-terror bollards do?

Anti-terrorism bollards help prevent hostile (or accidental) vehicles from causing harm to people and property. They manage this through their specialist design, strong and durable materials, and structure that allows them to withstand colossal force.

These heavy-duty bollards will stop vehicles from entering crowds and buildings by providing an unmovable post that a vehicle cannot drive through. There are many types of anti-terror bollards to suit the specific needs of the area, including automatic bollards, static bollards, and lift assist bollards. It’s recommended to use automatic bollards in an anti-terror security strategy for locations where the venue’s uses change, due to the speed of use and versatility of the posts. 

Fail Secure vs Fail Safe functionality

When purchasing anti-terror security posts from Rhino, you have the option to choose between the Fail Secure and Fail Safe functions. Each serves a different purpose and is suited to different applicants or requirements.

Fail Secure

The Fail Secure option ensures the bollard will stay raised in the event of power failure.

This function is designed for when external threats are much higher, and to mitigate control unit tampering. If someone attempts to cut the power to lower the bollards for a hostile vehicle, this feature ensures the posts stay raised. These are often used to protect government buildings, where a coordinated attack may be more likely.

For some anti-terrorist bollards, it is possible to operate the bollard manually in an emergency. For instance, in case of power failure, it is possible to raise and lower the bollard from the outside by using a screwdriver drill

Fail Safe

The Fail Safe option ensures the bollard will lower in the event of power failure.

This function is designed for when crowds need to leave an area quickly and to allow easy access to emergency vehicles. This is more suited for larger areas, such as venues and stadiums, where you don’t want to cause blockages and prevent people from exiting. Emergency vehicles need to be able to navigate into these areas too, so in the event of a power cut, you don’t want the bollards to block ambulances or fire engines.

Emergency Fast Operation (EFO)

Anti-bollards with an EFO feature are essential for some high-security locations. The Emergency Fast Operation device means the bollard will rise in just over 1.5 seconds for maximum protection in situations of extreme emergency and necessity. 

Where might anti-terrorism bollards be required? 

Anti-terror posts are often placed in high-risk areas. These include large venues that hold concerts, stadiums, racecourses, government buildings, and busy interchanges and terminals. The more people that gather in these areas, the more need there is for vehicle security barriers.

Those wanting to cause harm target areas where they can cause the maximum amount of damage, which is why it’s essential that these vulnerable spaces have complex security measures to prevent unauthorised vehicle entry.

It’s worth noting that these crash-tested bollards are also used in areas where an accidental vehicle entry may occur. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and sometimes an out-of-control car in a crowded space can cause a great deal of harm. Busy roads or interchanges that run alongside large public spaces are examples of this, such as outside of stations where a vehicle could accidentally mount a crowded walkway. Anti-ram bollards can protect the public from situations such as these.

What are HVM measures?

HMV (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) measures are the combined efforts deployed to counter vehicle-borne threats, including physical obstructions, security processes, and procedures. VSBs are an important part of these measures, as they provide an immovable obstacle to prevent hostile vehicles from entering a space.

Anti-terrorism security posts must be crash-tested by an independent body. The XPASS B 275/800 has been tested and certified in accordance with standards IWA14-1:2013 and PAS 68, which means it’s classified as suitable to protect sensitive sites. 

This bollard has a crash rating of M30/K4, meaning it can withstand the force of a 75000kg vehicle driving at 30mph. It also includes advanced features such as its integrated independent control unit – if one bollard in the group breaks, the others will provide it with the power it needs to continue to function. This is incredibly useful in emergency situations.

The XPASS B 275/800 bollard is an example of the kind of automatic security post you need to protect a vulnerable space.

The Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law)

The Protect Duty, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, is a proposed UK regulation designed to improve security in public spaces by ensuring venues assess and address terrorism risks. Named in honour of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the law has been driven by his mother, Figen Murray, who has campaigned for stronger security at public gatherings.

If introduced, the law will place a legal responsibility on those managing public premises and events to enhance safety measures. The requirements will be tailored to the venue’s size and purpose, potentially including measures such as hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) and perimeter security where necessary.

Public and personal safety is paramount

Nothing is more important than keeping people safe while they’re enjoying a show, working in their office, or just walking to the train station. Strategically placing anti-terror bollards as part of larger hostile vehicle mitigation measures can help prevent or lessen tragedy. To discuss crash-proof anti-terrorism bollards, get in touch with our knowledge team today by calling 01603 484999.