The DfT has launched new standards to help fleet operators better protect their vehicles, assets and personnel from theft, hijacking or being targeted for terrorist purposes, writes Carol Millett.
The move has been prompted by the recent increase in organised crime groups and terrorists targeting commercial vehicles.
Launching the Roads Transport Security Standards (RTSS) the DfT pointed to incidents in which vehicles have been used by terrorists to conduct attacks on crowded places, including recent attacks in Magdeburg, Munich and New Orleans.
The RTSS are designed to help operators and security managers who are launching or developing their security systems against the threat of terrorism and organised crime groups. It includes a self-assessment survey.
The standards are based on PAS 29000:2021 – Commercially Operated Vehicles. Launched in 2021, this advises on how to prevent commercial vehicles being used for terrorism and other forms of serious and organised crime.
The RTSS can be accessed via Gov Page which includes a toolkit and a smart survey. Participants who complete the survey will be given feedback and advice by the Road Transport Security Team for any areas of improvement.
The self-assessment covers the five standards of the toolkit, which are: governance and security management, risk assessment, delivery plan, security at base location and security on the road.
Respondents are advised to answer as many questions as possible and to provide as much information as possible.
Launching the RTSS, DfT said: “The standards have been created to help operators protect personnel, assets and vehicles from being stolen, hijacked, sabotaged or otherwise targeted for terrorist purposes, including attacks on crowded places or the transport system.
“The standards also contribute to wider efforts to improve security and resilience in the transport sector.
“The requirements and any guidance included in these standards are not prescriptive or exhaustive. Operators have the right to adopt alternative means to meet the standards.
“Each organisation should make its own judgement as to which measures apply to ensure the appropriate standards are met. Organisations should determine which and how far to apply those measures according to their operation.”
It added that the toolkit should be used by the designated security manager or those with ultimate responsibility for security, including management of the organisation’s risk assessment and action plan.
