Martyn’s Law Compliance Checklist for Bollards, Road Blockers and HVM Systems

With the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law and the Protect Duty, organisations across the UK are facing a pivotal moment in security governance. 

As the legislative focus shifts towards the Protect Duty, the responsibility for public safety is moving from a “box-ticking” exercise to a mandate for ongoing operational readiness. 

For venue operators, local authorities, and private-sector businesses, the challenge is clear: compliance isn’t just about initial installation; it is about demonstrating that your security measures are actively managed and ready to perform when it matters most.

Effective perimeter protection, which encompasses everything from bollards and road blockers to impact-rated barriers and gates, serves as the first line of defence in this new regulatory landscape. 

However, as these systems become central to your security strategy, the focus must expand beyond simple procurement. 

To navigate the Protect Duty successfully, duty holders need to bridge the gap between initial system design and long-term assurance. 

The following checklist is designed to help you assess your current status and ensure your physical security infrastructure meets the evolving demands of both the legislation and the real-world threats it aims to mitigate.

HVM & Maintenance Compliance Checklist

Risk Assessment & Design Alignment

☐ Have you assessed vehicle threats across entry points, perimeters and access zones?

☐ Are appropriate solutions selected (e.g. bollards for passive protection, road blockers or automated bollards for active control, barriers for managed access control zones)?

☐ Is your design aligned with real-world operational use?

Installation & Commissioning

☐ Were all systems (bollards, road blockers and barriers) correctly installed and commissioned?

☐ Do you have documentation confirming performance at handover?

Bollard Maintenance & System Maintenance

☐ Do you have a maintenance plan covering all HVM elements, including bollards, road blockers and barriers?

☐ Are systems maintained in line with manufacturer guidance?

☐ Are maintenance records retained?

Martyn’s Law focus: Ongoing Management of Protective Measures

Operational Testing

☐ Are bollards, road blockers and barriers regularly tested?

☐ Are results recorded and reviewed?

☐ Can you demonstrate real-time system readiness?

24/7 Support

☐ Do you have 24/7 support for all active systems (e.g. road blockers and barriers)?

☐ Are fault response and escalation processes defined?

Beyond Warranty

☐ Is your approach to bollard and HVM maintenance independent of warranty terms?

☐ Is lifecycle performance considered beyond initial installation?

Governance & Ownership

☐ Do you have a responsible person for your bollards, road blockers and barriers?

☐ Is HVM included within wider security governance and audits?

Documentation & Evidence

☐ Do you have a complete record of: 

• Installation
• Maintenance
• Testing

☐ Can you demonstrate continuous compliance to manufacturer’s recommendations, not just point-in-time sign-off?

To discuss your perimeter security requirements or maintenance needs in more detail, contact our friendly team today