The National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit

The NVTMU is responsible for numerous operational delivery projects to mitigate and protect against a Vehicle as a Weapon (VAW) attack or Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED).  

The unit understands the methodology behind VAW attacks and the use of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) as intentional weapons against people, events or infrastructure. 

The key aspects of the NVTMU's role are as follows. 

Deployment of the National Barrier Asset (NBA)

The primary responsibility of the NVTMU is to advise and oversee the deployment of the National Barrier Asset (NBA). 

The NBA is a substantial collection of temporary vehicle security barriers and protective security fencing that is deployed to provide hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) schemes.  

The NVTMU carries out vehicle dynamic assessments to assess the eligible users' operational requirements and develops HVM schemes which comprise of a variety of tactical outcomes, such as countering VAW tactics through to physical deployment of the NBA. 

When necessary, the unit deploys the NBA to enhance security with physical barriers, which are designed to prevent or mitigate harm caused by vehicles, being installed in strategically placed locations to safeguard public places, events, and infrastructure. 

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) Network 

As part of the broader CTP network, the NVTMU plays a crucial role in supporting Counter Terrorism Security Advisors and Counter Terrorism Security Coordinators in their responsibilities to provide the best advice, guidance and deployments of HVM to support their policing requirements.  

Collaboration with Government agencies and policymakers 

The NVTMU serves as a liaison between law enforcement and government agencies by exploring ways to mitigate vehicle attacks and enhance protective measures.

Industry engagement - The NVTMU engages with installers and manufacturers within the HVM and fencing industry to understand each other’s operational requirements, new developments and to raise standards in the deployment of temporary vehicle security barriers.  

Innovation and research - The NVTMU drives innovation through partnership working and actively engages in research and development with strategic partners.  

International collaboration - While the NVTMU’s primary focus is within the United Kingdom, its impact extends far beyond national borders. The NVTMU collaborates with counterparts from other countries by sharing best practice and innovative approaches to hostile vehicle mitigation. The unit contributes to a safer global environment by securing global events with international partners, who have benefitted from the wider support of the NVTMU.  

The NVTMU operates in close partnership with a specialised contractor to deploy the NBA and is experienced in managing multiple deployments across various events. The unit's expertise extends beyond individual instances, allowing them to fine-tune deployments and adapt seamlessly to diverse operational requirements. Whether securing public places, events which are locally or globally important or infrastructure, the NVTMU is effective in safeguarding people and places.

A nationally approved framework

In January 2024, the £30+5M Framework was awarded and streamlined to provide Eligible Users with a nationally approved framework, which delivers a strong and commercially approved framework for deployments. The NBA Framework has the ability to be scaled and flexible as threats and operational requirements evolve; the NVTMU and its contractor adapt swiftly, whether deploying a single barrier or an entire holistic HVM scheme.

The scope of the framework has been widened to allow any Eligible Users to request deployments. Eligible Users are not only police forces but the framework can be accessed by any public bodies and commercial organisations to secure public places, events or infrastructure. The NBA can also be deployed in an emergency depending on the circumstances and requirements of any Eligible User.  

Defence against hostile vehicle threats

By combining public expertise and commitment, private support and logistics, and a robust NBA framework, the NVTMU ensures that the National Barrier Asset stands as a formidable defence against hostile vehicle threats.

The National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of people and events by proactively addressing the threat posed by hostile vehicles. 

Some images of the National Barrier Assets that are available for use are featured below.

If you would like more information about the NVTMU, you can contact the team by email via the NaCTSO Mailbox.