The DfT has released new guidance that sets out straight forward steps to help mitigate the threat of goods vehicles being used in vehicle as a weapon attacks.

The document Countering Vehicle as a Weapon: Best Practice Guidance for Goods Vehicle Operators and Drivers outlines the steps you can take to help keep the public and your organisation safe from attack and covers: 
• security culture – including pre-employment checks for staff and drivers
• site security – including vehicle access and operating centres
• vehicle security – including checking vehicles and what to do if a vehicle is taken

Richard Turfitt, Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, says: Our key message is for you and your employees to take security as seriously as you take safety.  The modern world can feel like an increasingly dangerous place and the use of vehicles as a weapon to injure and kill people has become a real threat, which means people who operate and drive commercial vehicles need to act.

“It is vital that transport businesses adopt a responsible approach to security. The agencies, which are charged with protecting all members of society, have identified some simple and inexpensive procedures to assist operators, transport managers and drivers. That is why I am pleased to endorse the Department for Transport’s industry specific best practice guidance.” 

The guidance also contains a top 10 list of actions for commercial vehicle drivers.