Hostile Vehicle Mitigation
Protection against vehicle-borne threats including Vehicle as a Weapon
The use of vehicles for hostile purposes is nothing new. Whether to overcome a physical barrier, cause mass casualties by use of the vehicle as a weapon or delivering improvised explosive devices, vehicles can pose a significant threat. Even without any malicious intent, high-speed, out-of-control vehicles can cause devastation where there are no protective measures in place.
To safeguard against such high-impact outcomes, CornerStone offers a comprehensive Hostile Vehicle Mitigation design service that utilises the principles of PAS 69:2013 and ISO 22343-1:2023 and other international standards. Well-developed security engineering techniques and systems can reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being used in a hostile manner, and simultaneously lessen the impact that such an incident could have.
How we help
When recommending mitigation measures, our HVM engineering team considers all aspects of a location as well as potential vehicle threats, such as vehicle shape, size, speed, and angle of approach. Whether yours is a new development or an active, occupied site, our HVM design service can help you make the right choices.
Award Winning Security, Cyber and Risk Consulting




Why it Matters
What to Consider?
Prevents High-Impact Attacks
- HVM puts physical measures in place to stop, slow or deflect hostile or errant vehicles before they reach a vulnerable area or their target.
Enhances Public Confidence and Business Continuity
- Visible, well integrated security reassures staff, visitors and the public. It also reduces the risk of downtime and reputational damage if an incident occurs.
Meets Regulatory and Planning Expectations
- In many locations, especially urban and high-profile sites, HVM is expected as part of the planning requirements or regulatory compliance.
Supports Safe and Open Environments
- HVM results in the creation of safe spaces that remain welcoming and functional, while discreetly reducing the risk through thoughtful design and engineering.
Responds to an Evolving Threat Landscape
- The threat of vehicle-based attacks has increased globally. HVM is a proactive solution that helps futureproof buildings, public spaces and infrastructure.
Expert Advice for Your Project
Integrating HVM into Your Design
Although we can help at any stage of a project, assessing the risks and considering HVM early will potentially allow more resilient measures to be implemented within your design.
Vehicle Dynamics and Site Assessment
A Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) is a key part of our HVM planning. It is a technical study that analyses how a vehicle could move through a site in a hostile or accidental scenario, and helps to determine the most effective placement and performance requirements of protective measures like bollards, barriers or planters.
Setting Clear Operational Requirements
At CornerStone we consider all levels of protection and use our long standing experience to consider not only realistic threat scenarios, ideally informed by our RTV process, but also project objectives.
Product Selection and Performance Standards
With guidance from PAS 69:2013 and ISO 22343-1:2023 we choose the right security rated products for your site.
Compliance and Planning Support
Our consultants use national security guidance, planning requirements and industry best practice to support your site's HVM requirements.
Supporting Documentation - Operational Requirements (OR)
Our team will ensure all technical details, drawings and operational guidance are aligned and ready to implement.
Leverage our experience
We work with clients around the world providing advice, design solutions and project management of the installation to ensure standards are adhered to and objectives are met. We use our Holistic Approach to identify the threats and develop Operational Requirements to inform our design process. By ensuring the Operational Requirements are built-in to our design, it increases the likelihood of mitigating the vehicle threat and enables the design to be incorporated into operational use.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of individual protective products before they are purchased is critically important. We will also ensure that products have been installed correctly to maximise the protection offered and ensure that they operate correctly for everyday use.
Holistic Approach
CornerStone’s end to end holistic approach brings together deep industry knowledge, practical experience and a clear focus on security and risk. From early design through to delivery we guide clients with insight and care. We bring clarity to complex security challenges, shaping solutions that are not only technically robust but also tailored to the unique needs, constraints and ambitions of each project.
Speak to a HVM Expert today!
Whether you’re in the planning stage, looking to review an existing risk, or curious about how we can support your business, it's never too early to start a conversation.