Performance ranges from low and high speeds with a variety of vehicle types, even to extremes as a road barrier rather than as an HVM product. This may be important if the barrier is required to be installed close to general traffic flow.

Many longitudinal barrier products are suitable for temporary as well as permanent use as they can be easily transported to site. it is possible to install up to 2500 linear metres within an 8-hour period. The barrier can be anchored by drilling and pinning into the ground or by using freestanding “dead weights”. Most products that can be installed and removed quickly for temporary use have been tested to the level of a 7500kg vehicle travelling at 50kph with a 90° impact angle.

These barriers are well suited to security protection where different length runs of barrier, with different performance characteristics, are required as it is possible to have different levels of performance installed at different locations, remaining within the same run of barrier to address varying threat identification, yet all still interconnected. It is also possible to incorporate gate, barriers, pedestrian portals, bollards, and fences within the run as certain examples of these products have been tested while connected.

For temporary uses such as 1 or 2-day events (political meetings, festivals, demonstrations, sporting/music events, etc), locations can be assessed and specific layouts can be designed to mitigate the effect of any possible threats. This is helped by the fact that various products can traverse inclines and cope with varying surface terrains. Corners and even curves can be accommodated.

Longitudinal barriers are not normally associated with aesthetic appeal as they are largely about providing a clear presence and deterrence factor, whilst being capable of performance if necessary.

This presence can be expanded to deter personnel intrusion as well as vehicles, as it is possible to combine barriers with impact rated fences to resist pedestrian attack.

Longitudinal barriers should only be installed by trained installers operating strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and installation should only begin after a full risk assessment has been carried out. Neglecting to install exactly as instructed and as the product has been tested means it is unlikely the product will perform to advertised expectations and therefore jeopardise the safety and security of the area.