In today’s security-conscious world, protecting critical infrastructure and high-risk zones has become a top priority. The rise in vehicle-borne threats has led to the adoption of rigorous testing standards that define the effectiveness of security barriers. Among these, PAS 68 stands as one of the most trusted and globally recognized benchmarks for impact-tested vehicle security barriers. Developed in the United Kingdom, PAS 68 is designed to evaluate the performance of barriers, bollards, gates, and blockers against potential vehicle attacks, ensuring they can withstand high-speed impacts and prevent unauthorized access.
Understanding PAS 68 and Its Importance
PAS 68 (Publicly Available Specification 68) is the standard that defines the testing and classification of vehicle security barriers. It was established by the British Standards Institution (BSI) to provide a unified system for testing barriers against vehicle impact. The goal is to ensure that physical security solutions can resist deliberate attempts to breach protected perimeters using vehicles as weapons.
Under PAS 68, products such as bollards, gates, fences, and blockers are subjected to real-world crash tests. Vehicles of specific weights are driven at various speeds into the barrier to assess how well it performs. The results determine the product’s classification—indicating the level of protection it provides.
This standard is critical for government facilities, airports, embassies, energy plants, and public spaces that require high-impact protection. In regions such as Saudi Arabia, where urban development and infrastructure expansion are rapid, PAS 68-certified solutions are essential for safeguarding high-security zones.
The Evolution of PAS 68
Before the introduction of PAS 68, there was no unified testing method for assessing vehicle barrier performance. Manufacturers relied on theoretical calculations or partial tests that did not replicate real-life scenarios. PAS 68 changed this by introducing a standardized, evidence-based approach.
Since its establishment, PAS 68 has been continuously refined to address evolving threats and technologies. It now serves as a foundation for several international standards, including the American ASTM F2656 and the international ISO IWA 14-1. Together, these standards form the backbone of global vehicle impact testing protocols.
For organizations seeking credible protection, PAS 68 certification ensures that a barrier has been tested under realistic conditions and meets strict performance benchmarks.
How PAS 68 Testing Works
The PAS 68 testing process is both rigorous and scientific. It measures several parameters to determine how a barrier reacts to an impact.
- Vehicle Type and Weight: The test involves using vehicles such as small cars, medium trucks, or large lorries depending on the intended protection level.
- Impact Speed: Vehicles are driven at speeds ranging from 30 km/h to 80 km/h or higher.
- Penetration Distance: The distance a vehicle travels beyond the barrier after impact indicates the system’s effectiveness.
- Deformation and Damage: Engineers measure how much the barrier bends, shifts, or deforms.
The results are then used to assign a classification code. For instance, a PAS 68 rating might read “V/7500[N2]/80/90:5.0”, which means a 7.5-tonne vehicle traveling at 80 km/h and impacting at 90 degrees penetrated 5.0 meters.
This data-driven classification helps architects, engineers, and security planners select the right barrier system for each specific site.
PAS 68 in Saudi Arabia’s Security Landscape
As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its infrastructure under Vision 2030, security has become a major focus across commercial, industrial, and governmental sectors. The demand for PAS 68-certified barriers is rising, especially for airports, defense facilities, oil refineries, and critical transport networks.
PAS 68 systems ensure that sensitive locations remain protected from unauthorized vehicular entry and potential terror threats. With major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam expanding, the integration of PAS 68 barriers into new developments ensures both safety and operational efficiency.
Many local manufacturers and international brands are now offering PAS 68-certified products tailored to the climatic and operational conditions of the Middle East.
Types of PAS 68 Security Barriers
Various types of perimeter protection systems are tested under PAS 68 to meet different operational needs. Common examples include:
- Fixed and Removable Bollards: Ideal for entrances and pedestrian areas, these can stop high-speed vehicles while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Sliding and Swing Gates: Suitable for high-security compounds, offering both access control and crash resistance.
- Road Blockers and Barriers: Used at critical entry points, providing rapid deployment and high stopping power.
- Crash-Rated Fences: Extend protection across large perimeters like military bases or airports.
Each of these systems plays a vital role in deterring vehicle-based threats while ensuring operational continuity.
The Role of High Security Road Blocker
A High Security Road Blocker is one of the most powerful PAS 68-certified solutions available. It is designed to stop heavy vehicles traveling at high speeds within a very short distance. These road blockers are often installed at military bases, embassies, government institutions, and oil refineries where maximum protection is required.
Hydraulically operated, these blockers rise from ground level to create a strong physical barrier that vehicles cannot penetrate. When integrated with access control systems, they provide seamless entry management without compromising safety. Many pas68 certified road blockers are engineered to perform even in extreme environmental conditions, ensuring durability and reliability.
Top companies offering such systems in Saudi Arabia provide not only installation but also ongoing maintenance to guarantee operational readiness at all times.
Top Companies Offering PAS 68 Solutions in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to several leading providers of PAS 68-certified products and vehicle barrier systems. Among them are:
- SabTech – A leading industrial and security solutions company, SabTech specializes in PAS 68-certified bollards, barriers, and road blockers. The company focuses on advanced hydraulic technologies, delivering customized solutions for critical infrastructure and commercial facilities. Their products meet global security standards and are known for reliability and longevity even under demanding conditions.
- Gulf Security Systems – Known for offering a wide range of vehicle barrier solutions, including PAS 68-certified automatic bollards and road blockers designed for urban and industrial environments.
- HydroTech Arabia – Provides high-security hydraulic systems for gates and barriers, with expertise in large-scale installations for airports and oil refineries.
- Arabian Safety Technologies – Focused on perimeter protection systems, this company offers integrated security solutions that combine PAS 68 barriers with surveillance and control systems.
- SecureForce Middle East – Supplies a diverse range of PAS 68 and ASTM-rated security products, ensuring compliance with global standards.
These companies are key contributors to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its physical security infrastructure.
Integration of PAS 68 Systems with Modern Security
Today’s PAS 68 systems are not limited to standalone barriers. They can be integrated with advanced access control, surveillance, and alarm systems for complete perimeter management. The combination of automation and analytics enhances both operational efficiency and response capabilities.
For instance, PAS 68-certified hydraulic road blockers can be linked to license plate recognition systems and automatic gates to allow authorized vehicles while instantly blocking unauthorized ones. This integration ensures smooth traffic flow while maintaining high-level protection.
The use of smart technologies like IoT sensors and remote control panels allows real-time monitoring and maintenance alerts, reducing downtime and enhancing safety.
Maintenance and Reliability of PAS 68 Systems
Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the continued effectiveness of PAS 68-certified barriers. Regular inspections, hydraulic fluid checks, and mechanical adjustments help maintain performance standards. Companies like SabTech offer comprehensive after-sales service, including system calibration and emergency support to ensure that the security systems are always operational.
Maintenance also includes testing the High Security Road Blocker mechanisms, ensuring smooth hydraulic movement and reliable response times. Given the harsh climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia, robust materials and preventive care are essential to preserve system integrity.
Future of PAS 68 in Security Engineering
With evolving threats and technological advancements, the future of pas68 systems lies in smart integration and sustainable engineering. The next generation of barriers will be lighter, faster, and powered by intelligent control systems capable of adapting to real-time security needs.
Saudi Arabia’s growing emphasis on smart cities will see PAS 68 systems integrated with central security management platforms, improving coordination and monitoring across large infrastructure networks.
Additionally, innovations such as solar-powered hydraulic systems and energy-efficient actuators are making PAS 68 barriers more sustainable while maintaining their unmatched strength.
Conclusion
In a world where vehicle-based attacks remain a major concern, PAS 68 provides the assurance of tested and proven perimeter protection. For Saudi Arabia, where national infrastructure and economic growth are expanding rapidly, the adoption of PAS 68-certified barriers ensures that security keeps pace with progress.
By setting the global benchmark for impact-tested security, pas68 continues to safeguard critical assets and human lives. With trusted companies like SabTech leading the way, the Kingdom is well-positioned to achieve the highest levels of safety, reliability, and innovation in vehicle barrier protection—making PAS 68 not just a standard, but a symbol of modern security excellence.
