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Protecting public spaces from vehicle threats

Municipalities have a duty of care to protect public spaces and reduce foreseeable risks. Tools like the Hostile Vehicle Mitigation framework provide useful risk management strategies to ensure safety coverage.

Municipalities play a vital role in public safety, as they are responsible for urban planning, traffic regulation, infrastructure maintenance, and more within their vicinity. Part of this responsibility is protecting pedestrians and communities from vehicle threats, whether those are unintentional or planned.

In Canada, the Ontario Traffic Council’s (OTC) Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) Measures offer a helpful and structured framework for reducing risks associated with vehicle intrusions. Their guidelines are particularly relevant for public works staff, event planners, emergency services, and risk managers responsible for safeguarding municipal spaces.

The following guidance highlights key areas of consideration for public entities to help mitigate vehicle intrusion risks and contribute to building safer communities, with reference to the OTC’s guide. It should not be seen as an exhaustive list and should be used in conjunction with internal policies and procedures, as well as in compliance with local laws and regulations.

The risks associated with vehicle intrusion

Municipalities face growing challenges to protect public areas from vehicle-related incidents. Potential incidents may be caused by:

Intentional attacks: Vehicles used as weapons in deliberate attacks against crowds (For example, terrorist acts or targeted violence).
Unintentional intrusions: Vehicles losing control due to driver error, medical emergencies, mechanical failures, or poor infrastructure design.
Insider threats: Unauthorized or malicious use of municipal vehicles, such as service trucks or emergency vehicles.

With the rise of urbanization, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and large-scale public events, it is essential to proactively assess risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Assessing your business-specific risks

Before implementing any mitigation measures, municipalities must conduct thorough risk assessments of their own unique exposures by:

Identifying high-risk locations, including pedestrian zones, government buildings, transit hubs, public spaces hosting events, and school zones.
Evaluating traffic patterns and vulnerabilities, such as uncontrolled access points or high-speed roadways near pedestrian areas.
Considering site-specific risks, including existing urban design features, security presence, and emergency access requirements.
Assessing impact scenarios, such as the potential consequences of a vehicle striking a crowded space.

Potential risk mitigation strategies

Once municipalities have assessed their exposures, they can begin making meaningful changes to mitigate these risks. The OCT’s HVM Measures outline the following strategies for mitigating the risks associated with vehicle intrusions and maintaining safe public spaces.

1. Implement physical barriers, or passive mitigation measures, such as:

Bollards: Fixed or retractable barriers that prevent vehicle access while maintaining pedestrian flow.
Planters and street furniture: Aesthetic but reinforced structures that serve as vehicle barriers.
Fencing and security gates: Useful for limiting access to restricted areas.

2. Implement vehicle access controls, or active mitigation measures, such as:

Road closures and checkpoints: Limit vehicle access to pedestrian-heavy zones during peak times or special events.
Restricted vehicle zones: Create permanent or temporary no-vehicle areas in high-risk spaces.

3. Implement and enforce traffic and speed reduction measures, such as:

Chicanes and road narrowing: Forces vehicles to slow down before reaching pedestrian areas.
Raised crossings and speed humps: Discourages high speeds near vulnerable locations.
Signage and pavement markings: Clearly indicates restricted areas or pedestrian-priority zones.

4. Implement and enforce effective surveillance and monitoring, such as:

CCTV and remote monitoring: Enhances situational awareness in high-risk areas.
Security personnel and police presence: Provides an added layer of protection at high-risk locations and public events.

Best practices for implementing HVM measures

Municipalities should take a proactive approach to implementing these measures by:

Integrating security into urban design, ensuring mitigation measures enhance, rather than disrupt, the usability and aesthetics of public spaces.
Planning ahead for major events and using temporary barriers, road closures, and security personnel to control vehicle access during large gatherings.
Collaborating across departments, involving public works, law enforcement, event organizers, and emergency services in the planning process.
Considering cost-effective options or future investments like using existing infrastructure where possible or securing funding for more robust mitigation solutions.

Legal and liability considerations

Municipalities have a duty of care to protect public spaces and reduce foreseeable risks. Failure to implement reasonable mitigation measures could expose municipalities to legal liability in the event of an incident.

In order to maintain safe public spaces, municipalities should seek legal expertise and ensure that their risk management and insurance strategies offer adequate coverage, especially for public events and high-risk locations.

Next steps for municipal staff

With this guidance in mind, municipalities should begin strategizing and adopting a HVM approach through the following actions:

Conduct a risk assessment of public spaces and municipal assets.
Review current security and urban planning policies to ensure HVM is integrated into municipal planning.
Develop an HVM strategy for both temporary and permanent mitigation needs.
Engage with stakeholders, including emergency responders, public works, and private event organizers, to coordinate efforts and ensure alignment.
Stay informed on best practices in public safety, urban security, and risk management.

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Protecting public spaces from vehicle threats