BSI issues standard to mitigate risks for commercially operated vehicles

The standard has been sponsored by the Department for Transport and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure and sets out the process of identifying, implementing and maintaining security measures to reduce the risk of commercially operated vehicles being used in acts of terrorism and other forms of serious and organised crime.

Commercial vehicles (ie those owned or leased by operators) can be used maliciously as a means to cause damage, injure and kill. They can also be used in other forms of serious and organised crime including drug operations, theft and anti-social behaviour.

As well as posing as a danger to the public, these security risks can also impact commercial vehicle operators, causing damage to the host organisation, its assets, personnel and reputation.

The new standard, named PAS 29000:2021 – Commercially Operated Vehicles – Framework for Mitigating Security Risks From Malicious Use – Specification, covers personnel security and physical security of sites and vehicles as well as security management planning and processes.

Encouraging good practice

Nick Fleming, head of transport and mobility standards at the BSI, explained: “This new standard, which has been developed in consultation with operators of commercial vehicles, encourages good practice in the managing of security risks that may help to reduce the threat of vehicles being used in acts that might cause intentional harm to the public or for organised crime. PAS 29000 highlights the growing importance of physical vehicle security measures to help prevent such criminal acts from taking place.”

Transport Minister Robert Courts added: “This is vital new guidance which will go a long way towards helping us in our fight against terrorism and organised crime. I wholeheartedly support this move and the British Standards Institution in its important work. Terror attacks involving commercial vehicles have had tragic and devastating effects in recent years, with every life lost leaving an unimaginable void in the lives of so many. This Government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the British public is kept safe.”

The standard has been developed by a Steering Group of transport, safety and crime experts*. It’s intended for use by the operators of light and heavy goods vehicles, public service vehicles and mobile plant, whether those vehicles are leased, hired or owned by the operator or driver.

The new PAS can be downloaded at this link: https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030415864

*The Steering Group involved A Luck Associates, AU Security Consulting, the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, the Construction Plant-Hire Association, Counter Terrorism Policing, the Department for Transport, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, Hire Association Europe, the Institute of Couriers, Logistics UK, the National Crime Agency, the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the Office of the Traffic Commissioners and representatives from Unite.