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, 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 organization, its assets, personnel, and reputation.
The new standard published today, 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. The standard, available for free download via the link below, is intended for operators of light and heavy goods vehicles; public service vehicles (PSVs); and mobile plant, whether they are leased, hired, or owned by the operator or driver.
Nick Fleming, head of transport and mobility standards at BSI said: “This new standard, developed 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 may cause intentional harm to the public or for organized crime. PAS 29000 highlights the growing importance of physical vehicle security measures to help prevent such criminal acts taking place.”
Transport minister Robert Courts said: “This is vital new guidance which will go a long way to help us in our fight against terrorism and organised crime. I whole-heartedly support this move and the British Standards Institution in their important work. Terror attacks involving commercial vehicles have had tragic and devastating effects in recent years.”
The standard has been developed by a steering group of transport, safety, and crime experts. The members were: A Luck Associates; AU Security Consulting; Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure; Confederation of Passenger Transport UK; Construction Plant-Hire Association; Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters; Department for Transport; Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme; Hire Association Europe; Institute of Couriers; Logistics UK; National Crime Agency; Road Haulage Association (RHA); Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT); Office of the Traffic Commissioners; and Unite the Union.