As part of our Threat, Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA) process, we sometimes advise that a Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) should also be completed. This must be done by a certified counter terrorism professional and our expert, Mark Cavies MSyl RISC, is certified to carry out VDAs by the CPNI (now known as the NPSA – National Protective Security Authority).

We advise that a VDA should be carried out as part of your TVRA if your site or location is close to vehicle access routes. It helps to ensure we specify the most appropriate Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) protection, rated to protect against the specific speed, velocity, angle and size of potential vehicular threats. It also enables us to advise you on any operational changes you could make to reduce your vulnerability and limit risk.

What is a Vehicle Dynamics Assessment?

A Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) is a specialist, scientific risk assessment process which involves the use of digital modelling and expert analysis to identify specific vehicular threats and vulnerabilities. It considers the vehicle threats at:

  • Access and entry points.
  • Around the perimeter of event sites.
  • Locations where crowds may gather, such as queuing areas or public realm spaces.

By simulating real-world conditions using digital modelling, a VDA ensures that hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) specification is based on accurate risk data, rather than assumptions and guess work.

What’s involved in a VDA from SAFECROWDS GROUP?

If it is necessary to complete a VDA as part of the Threat Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (TVRA) we are carrying out, we will do both assessments at the same time and provide our insights and recommendations in a single report. Our certified counter terrorism professionals will discuss the process with you and attend site, giving you a clear understanding of what’s involved and an indication of when you will receive the report, which is typically within three weeks.

As part of the VDA process, we will use specialist techniques to:

  • Profile the potential threats for the location, considering vehicle size, weight, power, and design.
  • Map approach roads, gradients, curb design, and surface friction.
  • Carry out attack vector analysis, which identifies potential approach angles and velocity.
  • Digitally model vehicle approach speeds and stopping distances at ingress and egress points, and any other areas identified as potentially vulnerable, such as queuing locations.
  • Assess potential acceleration and deceleration profiles for the types of vehicles that could pose a threat to your site or location.
  • Predict potential vehicle movement patterns under various load, speed, terrains and weather conditions.
  • Analyse vehicle turning radii and escape trajectories.
  • Evaluate the barrier penetration or vehicle deflection strategies for various types of hostile vehicle mitigation.

Do I need a VDA?

Every site is different and a VDA will not always be necessary. At SAFECROWDS GROUP we will always advise you on whether a VDA is needed to support a thorough understanding of your specific risk profile. If there are no vehicular routes or access close to your site or location, it may not be required. It is also worth noting that the outcome of a VDA may enable us to recommend low- or no-cost operational measures that could reduce your risk, as well as informing our HVM specification.

All of our Vehicle Dynamics Assessments (VDA’s) are provided with full insurance for the guidance delivered.

Get in touch to talk to us about our TVRA, VDA and Security Risk Assessment services.

We have provided Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) in the following sectors:

  • Premier League and Championship football clubs.
  • Data centres.
  • London theatres.
  • Local government (including Levelling Up Projects).
  • Hospitality venues.
  • National Highways network.
  • National Railway network.