Beyond Installation: Why Maintenance is the True Measure of HVM Assurance
Across transport, critical infrastructure, and public environments, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) has firmly established itself as a core component of modern security design. Yet, as the industry matures, there is a fundamental shift in how we define security success
When an HVM system is handed over, confidence is high. Systems are tested, signed off, and fully operational. However, as Jon Trott, Managing Director at HealdProtect, notes, that moment is merely a snapshot in time. True effectiveness is defined by how those bollards, road blockers, and barriers perform months and years down the line when they are needed most.
Shifting the Focus: From Installation to Operational Readiness
The industry is moving away from the narrow question of, “Was the system installed correctly?” toward a more critical standard: “Can we demonstrate that our HVM measures are ready to perform today?”
This shift reflects a maturing approach to perimeter security and lifecycle management. HVM solutions, whether they are static bollards, rising bollards, or high-impact road blockers, are not “set-and-forget” installations. They are mechanical and electro-hydraulic systems that rely on regular upkeep to retain their reliability.
Viewing maintenance as a sign of weakness is a dangerous misconception. In reality, planned preventative maintenance is the only mechanism that ensures long-term performance and confirms that a first line of defence remains exactly that, a defence, rather than a point of failure.
Martyn’s Law: The Mandate for Ongoing Vigilance
With the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law and Protect Duty, the regulatory landscape has changed. The Act mandates a shift from passive “box-ticking” to proactive, ongoing risk management.
Recent Freedom of Information (FOI) data suggests that many public bodies are still in the early stages of assessment and budgeting for these compliance requirements. As organisations prepare, it is becoming clear that installation alone will not meet the expectations of the Act. Martyn’s Law is focused on preparedness, which means systems must be maintained, documented, and proven to be ready.
For security risk managers, this creates a clear imperative: compliance is continuous, not assumed. You must be able to provide auditable evidence of asset condition and operational readiness.
What Constitutes Effective HVM Maintenance?
Effective maintenance goes beyond simple cleaning; it is a holistic approach to asset care. To ensure consistency and retained confidence, a robust maintenance programme should include:
- Regular, Structured Testing: Periodic confirmation that bollards, road blockers, and barriers are fully functional.
- Planned Preventative Maintenance: Proactive service to identify wear before it leads to failure, avoiding the “wait until it breaks” mentality.
- 24/7 Support Capability: The ability to respond to operational needs or faults immediately, acting as a “blue light” service for critical security infrastructure.
As Jon Trott emphasises, “For those responsible for security risk, this ultimately becomes a question of confidence, not just in what was installed, but in what will perform”.
The Lifecycle Advantage: Sustainability and Safety
The most common cause of system malfunction is a lack of ongoing maintenance. While sites may take initial procurement seriously, the budget for ongoing maintenance is often overlooked, leading to costly premature replacements and potential security gaps.
By investing in a lifecycle-focused maintenance strategy, organizations achieve several benefits:
- Extended Product Life: Properly maintained equipment can provide years of reliable operation, even in harsh environmental extremes.
- Mitigated Risk: Regular inspections can catch issues, such as minor leaks or misalignment, before they escalate into full system failures
- Demonstrable Compliance: Comprehensive maintenance records provide the evidence needed to satisfy the requirements of Martyn’s Law and internal security audits.
The Question for Security Specifiers
When specifying HVM solutions, the conversation must change. It is no longer enough to look at the initial procurement cost. The critical question for duty holders and specifiers is: Are you also specifying how these bollards, road blockers, and barriers will be maintained long-term?
If the answer is no, then the security strategy is incomplete. In high, consequence environments, assurance is not a one off milestone achieved at installation; it is a discipline sustained through ongoing, professional maintenance.