CV anti-terror guidance published
New guidance sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT) has been published which is designed to prevent commercial vehicles – including trucks, buses, coaches, vans, and even mobile plant such as cranes – from being deployed in acts of terrorism.
The new guidelines from the British Standards Institution (BSI), which have been developed by experts in the fields of transport, safety and crime, set out a variety of security measures fleet operators can take to prevent criminals and terrorists from gaining access to CVs.
It is aimed at operators of light and heavy goods vehicles, public service (bus and coach) fleets and mobile plant, whether the vehicles are leased, hired or owned by the operator or driver.
According to BSI, use of the standard will reduce the likelihood that vehicles will be used for malicious purposes, preventing potential damage to businesses, their assets, personnel and reputations.
The standard can be tailored to operations of any size, adds BSI, and covers the security of personnel, as well as of sites and vehicles.
In order to meet the new standard, the government says operators must improve their knowledge of and assess exposure to potential risks, develop security management strategies, and put in place management and accountability structures to maintain security.
To ensure it is met, DfT says it is now working with industry to develop accreditation and certification schemes for commercial vehicle firms, with further details to be announced later.
It adds that the measures could also assist the fight against serious and organised crime such as drug and people smuggling.
Transport minister Robert Courts said: “This is vital new guidance which will go a long way to help us in our fight against terrorism and organised crime. I wholeheartedly support this move and the British Standards Institution in their important work.
“Terror attacks and organised crime involving commercial vehicles have had tragic and devastating effects in recent years, with every life lost leaving an unimaginable void in the lives of so many.
“This government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the British public are kept safe.”
Nick Fleming, head of mobility and transport standards at BSI, added: “This new standard, developed with operators of commercial vehicles, encourages good practice in the managing of security risks that may help to reduce the threat of vehicles being used in acts that may cause intentional harm to the public or for organised crime.
“The standard highlights the growing importance of physical vehicle security measures to help prevent such criminal acts taking place.”
Operators can download a free PDF copy of the new standard, PAS 29000:2021 – entitled Commercially operated vehicles. Framework for mitigating security risks from malicious use. Specification – by filling in their details at the BSI website.
