No. HVM is often associated with deliberate vehicle attacks, but it can also help reduce risks from accidental vehicle impact, unauthorised vehicle entry, ram-raids and disruption to essential services.

No. Not every public space requires a crash-rated HVM system. Some sites may need tested vehicle security barriers, while others may be better suited to traffic management, kerb design, landscape separation, street furniture, access control, operational procedures or a combination of measures.

The right approach should be based on the site-specific risk, the people or assets being protected, the available space, vehicle approach routes, operational requirements and the level of protection required.

Only where they are suitable for the identified risk.

If crash-rated protection is required, the selected system should be tested and rated for the relevant vehicle impact scenario.

Standard gates, fencing, bollards, barriers, planters, street furniture or architectural features should not be assumed to provide hostile vehicle mitigation unless they have been specifically designed, tested and installed for that purpose.

HVM can include many different product types, including crash-rated bollards, road blockers, gates, rising arm barriers, fencing, street furniture and integrated perimeter systems. The key is selecting the right solution for the risk, the site conditions and the way the site needs to operate.

PAS 68 is an older UK vehicle impact test standard that is still commonly referenced in product documentation. Many existing products have PAS 68 ratings, but specifiers should understand how that rating relates to the current project requirement.

ISO 22343-1 is a current international standard for vehicle security barrier impact testing. It provides a common way to describe the performance of tested HVM products.

ASTM F2656/F2656M is a US vehicle barrier crash-test standard. It may appear in New Zealand specifications where international products, overseas consultants or global security standards are involved.

A crash rating usually tells you the vehicle type or weight, impact speed, impact angle and penetration distance achieved during testing. This helps match a barrier to a site-specific risk.

Yes. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) systems can be aesthetically customised to suit their surroundings, including colours, finishes, dimensions, and gate infill designs, provided these changes remain within the manufacturer's approved limits. However, the structural elements of crash-rated HVM products cannot be altered, as this may affect their ability to stop a vehicle and could invalidate the certified crash rating. Any structural modifications may also require additional engineering assessment and re-testing.

Every site presents different operational, security, and spatial requirements. Hampden works with architects, consultants, contractors, and end users to develop bespoke Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) solutions that integrate with site operations, access control requirements, and the required crash rating. This collaborative approach helps ensure compliance while maintaining safe and efficient vehicle and pedestrian access.

As early as possible. The best time to consider HVM is during site planning, concept design or early developed design. This gives the project team more options and reduces the risk of costly retrofitting.

Crash rated barriers are almost always not a standalone solution- it is one layer in the site’s high-security access and protection strategy.

The barrier, gate, bollard, blocker or fence provides the physical stopping point. But the full system may also rely on controlled access, fencing, surveillance, lighting, signage, intercoms, alarms, traffic management, safety systems and emergency override procedures.

Early coordination is especially important where crash-rated equipment is automated. Automated gates, bollards, blockers and barriers may require power, controls, ducting, drainage, access control integration, safety devices, traffic lights, loop detectors, intercoms, fire-system interfaces, manual release and emergency override planning.

For specifiers, the important point is this: HVM solutions must be coordinated early with the civil, electrical, security and operational design. If added late, integration becomes harder, slower and more expensive.

Depending on the project, the team may include the client, architect, security consultant, civil engineer, structural engineer, traffic engineer, landscape architect, and the approved crash-rated barrier installer (such as Hampden).

Currently, crash-rated HVM equipment used in New Zealand is sourced from specialist international manufacturers - on an as required basis, and often, made to order. While New Zealand has local manufacturers of bollards, barriers, gates, fencing and security products like Hampden Ltd, crash-rated HVM is a highly specialised category that requires physical impact testing to recognised standards.

Hampden has proven experience delivering crash-rated Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) solutions across New Zealand. We have successfully supplied and installed HVM systems for data centres, correctional facilities, government infrastructure, and other critical assets, providing end-to-end support from product selection and site layout through to compliance and installation.

Our team works closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure each solution is fit for purpose, meets project requirements, and performs as intended. Through partnerships with leading international manufacturers, Hampden provides New Zealand project teams with access to a comprehensive range of independently tested, crash-rated vehicle security systems, including bollards, road blockers, gates, barriers, fencing, and other perimeter protection solutions.