Checking vehicles
Whenever drivers leave or return to their vehicle, they should look for any signs that something has been concealed or the vehicle tampered with.
This can be included as part of the required roadworthiness ‘walk around’ check. A security checklist for drivers supports this guidance.
Securing vehicles
Whenever vehicles are left unattended.
For example, at the start and end of a journey, during a comfort break or while parked as securely as possible, drivers should ensure that all the doors and windows are closed, engine switched off and ignition keys are taken with them. For vehicles not requiring ignition keys, drivers should ensure that they secure the vehicle appropriately before leaving (Annex A). Vehicles should not be left unattended with engines running.
Measures to prevent vehicles being taken by criminals or terrorists and used as a weapon include:
vehicles should not be left unattended at the roadside with the engines running
ignition keys should not be left in the vehicle while the driver is not present
operators of vehicles that require the engine running, to operate auxiliary equipment when the driver is not in the cab, should take appropriate measures to ensure against theft of the vehicle; this could include the provision of a second key to lock the cab doors
alternative security measures should be considered and used for vehicles not requiring an ignition key
security measures should be put in place at goods vehicle operating centres or other premises to prevent unauthorised access to vehicles
goods vehicles must be parked as securely as possible
drivers and/or Goods Vehicle operators should report any concerns about unusual behaviour that occurs on or close to their vehicle
Vehicle security equipment
Security features that keep the driver and vehicle safe and secure should be considered during the vehicle procurement process.
In addition to the risk of vehicles being stolen for use in terrorist attacks, the additional costs to a business caused by the theft of a vehicle and/or load can be considerable.
The decision will depend on what type of operations are being undertaken. A vehicle being used to multi-drop in a town centre might need to be fitted with an ignition immobiliser, while an international haulage operator might need to think about load space monitoring. However, the message is simple: keep the vehicle safe and secure and you reduce not only the costs to your business associated with economic crime, but you also deny a potential terrorist access to a large, heavy vehicle capable of causing great harm when driven deliberately into crowds of people.
The operator must decide what security and safety equipment is most appropriate for their vehicles, from sophisticated electronic engine immobilisers and in-cab cameras to simple steering locks: anything that deters the theft of the vehicle should be considered.
What to do if a vehicle is taken
If your vehicle is stolen call 999 and alert the call handler to the following information:
circumstances of the vehicle being stolen.
description of the vehicle including company name, registration details, aerial roof markings and any tracking software fitted in the vehicle.
if you suspect that the vehicle has been stolen for a terrorist attack then make sure this is made clear to the call handler.
Drivers should also immediately alert the company who will have procedures in place for stolen vehicles.
Disposal of vehicles
Prior to disposal or sale of vehicles to third parties.
All vehicles should have their entire internal and external livery and other markings removed to avoid potential use by others for malicious purposes.
DfT contact details
Please contact DfT’s Land Transport Security Division for further enquiries on goods vehicle security and VAW at: landsecurity@dft.gov.uk