Hörmann UK has announced that their innovative, bollard based mobile vehicle blocker, OktaBlock, now holds a CPNI Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADs) rating when used in specific configurations. This further enhances its capability to provide hostile vehicle mitigation for open-air events and publicly accessible locations whilst providing the highest standards in safety and flexibility for pedestrian access.
Developed in response to vehicle related terrorist attacks across Europe, Hörmann recognised the challenge being faced by local authorities regarding the security of public spaces and open-air events. OktaBlock has been designed to replace temporary concrete barriers, providing the highest standard in safety and flexibility whilst being easy to deploy without the costs normally associated with fixed security bollards or blockers.
Certified as a single module, OktaBlock has been designed to be unobtrusive, making it ideal for specification throughout public spaces, whilst its exterior can be customised to feature bespoke information or advertising space. Impressively, a single OktaBlock can stop a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 50 kilometres per hour and is certified according to international crash standards PAS68 / IWA14-1.
Ideal for areas where fastenings into the subsurface are not possible, OktaBlock can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, offering a completely flexible solution to meet each venue’s specific requirements. Due to its’ axisymmetric geometry, OktaBlock has no predefined impact side, which means the angle of the collision is inconsequential making it equally suitable for a variety of situations from narrow streets and cycle paths to wider pedestrian areas.
OktaBlock can be easily moved using a forklift truck or the newly available OktaMover manual handling device, making it simple to position whilst providing access for rescue vehicles as and when required. Its tamper-proof and non-flammable construction also mean there is no need for physical guarding before, during and after the event.
Mark Lester of Hörmann UK comments: “The addition of the VADs rating is an important achievement for Hörmann and further enhances OktaBlock’s ability to provide public authorities and event organisers with a flexible solution delivering the highest standards of protection. The OktaBlock range is a truly innovative security solution and the VADs rating follows on from the award for the Security Solution Innovation of the Year at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards in 2020.”