HTS Group protects NZ’s public and private spaces with advanced Hostile Vehicle Mitigation technologies The terrible events in Christchurch in March this year have drawn attention to the potential of lone wolf attacks on innocent people by deranged individuals. Not only are guns the weapon of choice, but also vehicles
can be lethal in the hands of attackers seeking to cause maximum damage to crowds or buildings, says Mr Noel Maharaj, Managing Director, HTS Group Ltd, which is expanding its operations in New Zealand to supply world leading anti-terrorism solutions to protect the public from possible attacks. Incidents of hostile vehicle attacks directed at crowded public spaces, both in New Zealand and internationally, have begun to draw focus on the ability to protect pedestrians and the general public. Government authorities are focusing on hostile vehicle mitigation technology to stop offending vehicles before they reach pedestrians. The Australia-New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee’s document ‘Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism’ emphasises the need to focus on pedestrian safety, particularly in high traffic public areas. “Enquiries for safety and security technologies have trebled worldwide in recent years, as companies and organisations are becoming more aware of security risks evident globally, and how to mitigate against them,” said Mr Maharaj. Ranging from simple barrier and boom gates for carparks, right through to advanced speed gates with integrated controls, HTS Group’s technologies are designed to protect spaces from unauthorised personnel that may intend to cause harm. The latest technologies include independently tested crash-rated bollards, gates and speed stiles, designed to protect people from threats inside buildings and out in the open.
“Unfortunately, it only takes one,” says HTS Group Managing Director Noel Maharaj, whose company supplies a range of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation technologies such as impact-rated vehicle gates. (above)
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NZSM
HTS Group can supply a range of security and access control technologies to protect public and private spaces from threats
The Rising Concerns for Pedestrian Safety From local attacks on busy metropolitan streets, to incidents occurring across the world, pedestrians and the general public have increasingly become the victims. As concerns for public safety rise, Government departments, councils and sports venues across the world are implementing safety barriers, gates and removable bollards designed to enhance safety and minimise the possibility of hostile vehicle threats and attacks. “It is no longer good enough to think ‘it won’t happen to us’ because hostile vehicles are being used in an increasing number of attacks on the public worldwide. Unfortunately, it only takes one,” said Mr Maharaj. Infrastructure security In addition to pedestrian safety, the security and protection of businesses and core utility assets is a major focus for security professionals. Establishments are always a good target for vehicle-borne threats, which can come in the form of vandalism or even through aggressive attacks from a determined terrorist or criminal. “Facility security should be one of the primary issues that businesses should have deeply embedded within their management processes and systems. The mobility of a vehicle means it can be conveniently used as a weapon for malicious individuals and even as a delivery mechanism for explosives,” says Mr Maharaj. “This is where Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) comes in. HVM’s primary goal is to prevent hostile individuals from breaching a perimeter successfully or completing a criminal act and accomplishing their purpose. This type of system is ideal for use in establishments, crowded public spaces and even in utility plants,” he said.
June/July 2019
