The National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit

ProtectUK publication date

19/08/2021

The National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit (NVTMU) is a specialised police unit operating within the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO).

Made up of subject matter experts, the unit have a wealth of experience in the deployment of temporary vehicle security barriers; they understand the methodology behind Vehicle as a Weapon (VAW) Attacks and the use of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) as intentional weapons against people, events or infrastructure.

The role of the National Vehicle Threat Mitigation Unit (NVTMU)

The NVTMU are 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).

Here are the key aspects of their role:

Deployment of the National Barrier Asset (NBA):

The primary responsibility of the NVTMU is to advise and oversee the deployment of the NBA, which is a substantial collection of temporary vehicle security barriers and protective security fencing that are deployed to provide hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) schemes.

The NVTMU carry out vehicle dynamic assessments to assess the eligible users operational requirements and develop HVM schemes which comprise of a variety of tactical outcomes such as countering vehicle as a weapon tactics through to physical deployment of the NBA. When necessary, they deploy the NBA to enhance security by physical barriers, which are designed to prevent or mitigate harm caused by vehicles, by 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 understanding 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 through international partnerships, by securing global events who have benefitted from the wider support of the NVTMU.

The National Barrier Asset is deployed through a Public - Private Partnership to enhance security through collaboration

The NVTMU operates in close partnership with a specialised contractor, to deploy the NBA and are experienced in managing multiple deployments across various events. Their 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.

In January 2024, the £30+5M Framework was awarded and streamlined to provide Eligible Users 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.

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.

Here are some images of our National Barrier Assets which is available for use: