Security Requirement: High – Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) with air-lock entry/exit control 

As the United Kingdom’s largest overseas diplomatic mission, the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. required a comprehensive perimeter security upgrade to counter rising threats such as vehicle-borne attacks, terrorism, and active shooter incidents. Welcoming over 14,000 annual visitors and housing more than 500 personnel, the Embassy needed a solution that combined robust security, operational efficiency, and aesthetic sensitivity to its historic grounds. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) required a crash-rated access control solution that provided: 

• Two secure vehicle sally ports (entry and exit) 
• Independent electric operation compatible with U.S. infrastructure 
• Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) compliance 
• Seamless integration with existing historic gates and site aesthetics 

CLD Fencing Systems was selected to deliver a bespoke vehicle access security solution featuring the Crash Tested Bi-Folding Security Gates 40 — a crash-rated, bi-folding gate system engineered for high-threat, high-traffic environments. The solution offered a compact footprint, fast open/close cycles, and PAS 68 crash test certification, making it ideal for embassies, consulates, and urban government sites. 

The bi-fold gates were designed to withstand hostile vehicle impacts while maintaining the site's architectural integrity. Their rapid operation supports secure air-lock entry and exit, minimizing vulnerability during gate movement.