Anti-terrorism bollards are high-strength, crash-rated barriers designed to stop hostile vehicle threats in their tracks. They’re essential for protecting public spaces, venues, and infrastructure from vehicle-based attacks – and they form a key part of modern Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) strategies.
What is an anti-terrorism bollard?
Not all security bollards offer the same level of protection. Anti-terrorism bollards – sometimes called counter-terror or vehicle security barriers (VSBs) – are designed and tested specifically to prevent high-impact attacks from hostile vehicles. These bollards are crash-tested to stringent standards like PAS 68 and K-ratings, making them suitable for stopping heavy vehicles travelling at significant speeds.
Their core purpose is HVM – Hostile Vehicle Mitigation – which involves reducing the chances of vehicles gaining unauthorised access to protected zones. Anti-terrorism bollards are typically used in public areas, stadiums, airports, and government buildings, where large crowds are at risk.
These bollards may be:
- Static (passive): fixed in place and provide permanent protection.
- Automated (active): retractable bollards that allow controlled access when needed.
Using anti-terrorism bollards allows:
- Full exclusion of traffic from designated zones using impact-rated street furniture.
- Selective area protection via automated or removable bollards.
- Protection of pedestrians without compromising access for disabled users or emergency services.
Real-world attacks – such as the Westminster Bridge and London Bridge incidents in 2017 – tragically demonstrate the importance of hostile vehicle mitigation. Our guide to the latest hostile vehicle attack statistics explores how these incidents have shaped modern security measures across the UK.
Key features
The key features of anti-terror bollards include:
- Crash-test certifications: such as PAS 68 or IWA 14-1, confirming their performance against specific weights and speeds.
- Corrosion resistance: zinc coatings or galvanisation prevent water damage and extend durability.
- Visual adaptability: they can be designed to blend in with surroundings or stand out for visibility.
Automated anti-terrorism bollards like the XPASS 800 K4 can retract quickly and rise in under two seconds to stop a 7.5-tonne vehicle travelling at 30mph. This speed of deployment is crucial in emergency scenarios.
Counter-terror bollard ratings explained
When comparing anti-terrorism bollards, you’ll often see K-ratings (K4, K8, K12). These indicate their tested ability to stop a certain weight of vehicle at a specific speed:
- K4-rated bollards: Stop a 6.8-tonne vehicle travelling up to 30mph.
- K8-rated bollards: Stop a 6.8-tonne vehicle travelling up to 40mph.
- K12-rated bollards: Stop a 6.8-tonne vehicle travelling up to 50mph.
Each rating confirms the minimum performance level – many bollards can exceed this, but the rating guarantees that level of impact resistance.
Additionally, PAS 68 is the UK standard for impact testing of vehicle security barriers. It provides a full classification for the test vehicle’s weight, speed, and penetration depth. While PAS 68 and K-ratings differ slightly in methodology, both are used to indicate a product’s suitability for high-security applications.
Understanding The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
Also known as Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is a landmark piece of legislation designed to make public spaces safer. It introduces a legal obligation for venue operators to proactively prepare for terrorist threats – including vehicle-borne attacks.
Martyn’s Law creates a two-tier system:
- Standard Tier: For smaller venues with a capacity of 100–799 people, requiring basic preparedness and training.
- Enhanced Tier: For venues with 800+ capacity or large-scale events, demanding a robust security plan, threat assessments, and physical protections like HVM measures.
Depending on their size and risk profile, venues will be expected to implement proportionate measures. This may include installing crash-tested bollards, barriers, or gates to secure public access points.
The act is named after Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. His mother, Figen Murray, has campaigned for stronger protections in public venues ever since.
Anti-terrorism bollards play a key role in fulfilling these legal duties, helping operators reduce the risk of vehicle-based attacks, manage evacuation procedures, and maintain safe public environments.
Where are anti-terrorism bollards required?
Anti-terrorism bollards are essential in any location where vehicle-based threats may arise, whether intentional or accidental. Installation sites include:
- Stadiums and concert venues
- Government and diplomatic buildings
- City centres and pedestrianised areas (i.e. bollards used by councils)
- Airports, train stations, and bus interchanges
- Critical infrastructure (e.g. utilities or data centres)
While far less common, some schools may also install anti-terror bollards.
Although their primary purpose is to stop deliberate attacks, anti-terrorism bollards also provide protection against accidental vehicle intrusion, such as a car losing control near a crowded footpath.
Bison Security Posts: Built for protection
At Bison Security Posts, we specialise in supplying and installing crash-rated, high-security bollards tailored to your location’s specific needs. Our product range supports HVM strategies for businesses, venues, and public infrastructure.
Call us today on 01708 956833 or submit a contact form to speak with our experts and learn more about how to secure your premises.
FAQ
What makes a bollard “anti-terrorism” rated?
Anti-terrorism bollards must undergo crash testing to standards like PAS 68 or IWA 14-1, proving they can stop high-speed, heavy vehicles. These ratings ensure the bollard performs reliably in the face of deliberate vehicle attacks – something not all security posts are designed for.
Do anti-terrorism bollards stop trucks or just cars?
Yes, high-rated bollards such as K12 models are specifically tested to stop vehicles weighing 6.8 tonnes or more, including trucks and lorries, travelling at up to 50mph. These bollards are engineered to absorb and disperse the kinetic energy of large-scale impacts.
Are automatic anti-terror bollards reliable in a power cut?
Many automatic bollards feature Fail Secure or Fail Safe systems. In Fail Secure mode, the bollard stays raised during a power outage, ensuring continued protection. In Fail Safe mode, the post lowers to allow emergency access. The choice depends on the site’s risk profile and emergency procedures.
What is the difference between K-ratings and PAS 68?
K-ratings are based on US Department of State standards, while PAS 68 is the UK’s testing standard for vehicle security barriers. Both assess impact resistance but differ in metrics. PAS 68 includes more granular data like penetration distance and debris dispersion – often preferred in UK specifications.
How does Martyn’s Law affect my business?
If your venue or premises hosts 100 people or more, Martyn’s Law may require you to conduct a risk assessment and implement physical counter-terror measures. For many in the enhanced tier, installing anti-terrorism bollards could be a necessary part of complying with the law and keeping visitors safe.
