Guideline: selecting proper security barrier solutions against vehicle ramming

The European Commission published a guidance document on the design, testing and installation procedures of barriers for the protection of public spaces against malicious attacks with the use of vehicles. In the last years, public spaces, such as open markets, fairs, tourist sites, pedestrian zones and city squares have been the target of vehicle ramming attacks – for example Nice, Barcelona, London, Berlin, Stockholm, New York and Toronto. The JRC Technical report addresses shortcomings encountered in the design of such security solutions and aims to come up with a simple, self-contained practical guide enabling security officials to conduct a preliminary study of elements that are able to stop and/or deter possible vehicle ramming attacks.

The report comes up with a detailed analytical procedure for risk assessment through the identification of security weaknesses of a public space and the calculation of the parameters which influence the motion of a threat vehicle before it enters an area to be protected. The guideline also provides advice for the selection of the appropriate protective barrier types (varying in performance ratings, cost, mechanism, attractiveness, permanent or temporary use) depending on the level of risk and particularities of the public space. Special attention is dedicated to the balance between the open nature of public spaces and the security measures needed. Security by design – the idea that security considerations are to be addressed from the very beginning of the planning and designing of a public space, is the way to integrate security measures in the urban environment in a most efficient and aesthetics manner.

The report is not online but is available upon request (please write to JRC-PUBLIC-SPACES@ec.europa.eu)