Martyn’s Law: What It Means for Site Security and Why HVM Matters More Than Ever

Martyn’s Law, officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is a major new piece of legislation in the United Kingdom. It has been introduced to improve public safety by making sure venues, public places and busy sites put sensible and proportionate security measures in place to protect people from potential terrorist threats.

For many sites this now includes giving proper consideration to Hostile Vehicle Mitigation. Because we supply and install HVM systems across the entire country, we are already seeing more enquiries from businesses wanting to understand how the new law affects their approach to physical security.

What Is Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law has been created to bring consistent security standards to any place where the public gather. It follows years of campaigning after the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and encourages all venues and event organisers to think about risk in a structured way.

The law introduces requirements for certain buildings and events to do the following

• Assess the risk of a terrorist incident
• Put sensible safety measures in place
• Improve preparedness and response planning

Why HVM Is Part of the Conversation

One of the risks many sites now need to consider is the possibility of a vehicle being used as a weapon. This is where Hostile Vehicle Mitigation becomes important.

HVM is not only about stopping a vehicle. It is also about controlling access, managing traffic flow and creating the right level of protection for the layout of the site.

The HVM Products We Offer

Every site has different access points, traffic patterns and crowd areas, so choosing the right product is essential. We supply and install a wide range of HVM solutions that allow us to design protection around your specific layout and operational needs.

Removable crash rated bollards

deal for areas that need strong impact protection but still require occasional access for deliveries, events or maintenance. They lock securely into place and are tested to recognised impact standards, giving a dependable level of protection while remaining easy to remove when needed.

Automatic PAS68 bollards

A reliable choice for entrances, service yards and any location that needs controlled access. Automatic models rise and lower smoothly and can be linked with access control systems such as fobs, keypads or ANPR. PAS68 testing provides assurance that the product has been designed to withstand significant vehicle impact forces.

Shallow mount bollards

Perfect for sites where underground services, limited excavation depth or structural restrictions prevent deep foundation work. Shallow mount products offer strong protection with far less disruption during installation, making them a practical choice for busy environments or existing paved areas.

Fixed HVM bollards

A straightforward and dependable solution for permanent protection. These products are installed at set intervals to create a strong protective line around buildings, walkways or vulnerable areas. They are available in a range of materials including galvanised steel, stainless steel and heavy duty options suited to higher risk locations.

HVM street furniture

Some spaces need protection without creating a heavy security look. We supply crash rated planters, benches, seats and blocks that provide effective vehicle stopping power while blending naturally into public spaces. These are ideal for pedestrian zones, retail districts, transport hubs and outdoor seating areas where appearance and functionality need to work together.

What Sites Should Be Thinking About Now 

With Martyn’s Law prompting many organisations to review their safety approach, this is a good time to look carefully at how vehicles move around your site and where people gather.

Review your site layout and access pointsConsider how vehicles currently enter, exit and circulate. Look for direct approach routes towards buildings, walkways or gathering areas where a vehicle could gain speed.

Identify areas where vehicles could reach crowded spacesThis includes entrances, forecourts, plazas, drop off points, school gates, staff entrances, public zones and anywhere people naturally group together.

Decide whether you need permanent protection, controlled access or a combination of bothSome spaces benefit from fixed protection at all times. Others may need removable or automatic products that balance strong security with everyday access needs.

Consider crash ratings, future maintenance and long term useDifferent sites require different levels of impact resistance. It is also important to think about how the products will be used over time, including access control requirements, visibility, durability and the environment they will be installed in.

A short review of these points can make it much easier to decide which type of HVM product will work best for your location.

How We Can Help

Bollard Security offers a complete supply and installation service for HVM products across the United Kingdom. Our team can talk you through the different options and help you understand which products suit your site layout, access requirements and day to day operation.

Get in Touch

If you would like to speak with our team about HVM products or arrange a site visit, you can call us on 01535 509001.

You can also reach us through our Contact Us page.