Solutions for cities and beyond…

Vehicle-based attacks on public spaces have become a real and documented threat across Europe. Cities and facility managers need infrastructure that addresses this specific risk, and the response must go beyond what conventional fence systems can offer. A Polish company from Lublin has developed a dedicated answer: the Fancy Fence HVM in-ground fence system, purpose-built for hostile vehicle mitigation while preserving the visual character of urban spaces.

Genesis of the underground retractable fence solution

The origins of the Fancy Fence HVM gate trace back to tragic vehicle attacks in Berlin and Nice. These events made it clear that existing fence systems were either insufficient against this type of threat or too visually invasive for open public areas. The challenge was specific: how to physically stop a hostile vehicle without turning plazas and promenades into fortified zones. The HVM gate was developed as a direct response to this problem.

Innovation and testing

The core innovation of the HVM gate lies in its ability to deliver certified anti-ram protection while maintaining an aesthetic and minimalist form. The reinforced version underwent rigorous crash tests at the CTS centre in Münster, Germany, involving a 7.5-tonne truck at 50 km/h. The results confirmed the gate's vehicle impact resistance and exceeded the requirements of ASTM and IWA standards.

How does underground gate work in a real urban environment?

How does underground gate work in practice? The HVM panel descends vertically into a reinforced concrete chamber, disappearing completely below ground level when not needed. When activated, it rises to form a physical barrier against vehicles. Sections can reach up to 5 metres in width, making the system suitable for urban squares, parks, pedestrian zones and entrances to public buildings. The gate remains invisible during everyday use, preserving the openness and accessibility of the space.

Two different products, two different roles

It is worth noting that the Fancy Fence range includes two distinct solutions. Access control system gates, the standard version, are designed for everyday entrance management, vehicle access organisation and property boundary definition. The HVM gate, on the other hand, is a reinforced, crash-tested product built specifically for hostile vehicle mitigation in high-risk public locations. These two products serve fundamentally different purposes and should not be confused, though together they offer a comprehensive approach: smart access management for daily use and certified vehicle impact protection where the threat level requires it.

This Polish product represents a significant step forward in addressing vehicle-based threats in urban spaces, showing how targeted engineering can solve a specific problem without compromising the design quality of the built environment.