Hörmann OktaBlock Strengthens Defence At Cardiff City

Hörmann's Oktablock at Cardiff City's final

Hörmann UK have announced that they have recently deployed their OktaBlock mobile vehicle blockers at Cardiff City Stadium home of Cardiff City FC. Providing the highest levels of security and safety, whilst maintaining excellent pedestrian permeability, OktaBlock has been installed primarily to separate and protect the stadium entrances in the car park areas.

Developed in response to vehicle related terrorist attack, OktaBlock has been designed to provide hostile vehicle mitigation and to protect pedestrians. Offering a flexible way to protect major venues and large public spaces, OktaBlock is particularly relevant with the imminent introduction of Martyn’s Law. The legislation is being established to ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues, and it is expected to pass into law early 2025.

With its’ patented design, OktaBlock has been developed to replace temporary concrete barriers. It is easy to deploy and without the costs normally associated with fixed security bollards or blockers. Certified according to international crash standards PAS68 / IWA 14‑1, a single OktaBlock can stop a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at speeds of fifty kilometres per hour. It also holds a CPNI Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADs) rating when used in specific configurations.

Certified as a single module, OktaBlock’s has been designed to be unobtrusive and its exterior can be customised to feature bespoke information. Offering a truly flexible solution to meet specific venue requirements, OktaBlock can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, and is ideal for areas where fastening into the subsurface is not possible. Due to its’ axisymmetric geometry, OktaBlock has no predefined impact side which means the angle of the collision is inconsequential making it suitable for a variety of situations from narrow streets and cycle paths to large, open pedestrian areas.

OktaBlock can be easily moved using a forklift truck or with the OktaMover manual handling device, making it simple to position whilst providing access for emergency vehicles if required. Its’ tamper‑proof and non‑flammable construction means there is no need for physical guarding before, during and after the event which was a key consideration for Cardiff City FC.

A view showing the Hörmann's OktaBlocks at Cardiff City Stadium

Wayne Nash, Head of Operations for Cardiff City FC comments, “I had experience of OktaBlock at the European Football Championships in Germany, where they had been deployed at several of the stadiums hosting major matches. What struck me was how easily they were sited and could be moved, together with the general interaction of the public.

OktaBlock was a natural choice when it came to protection for the general public attending matches and events at our stadium plus its’ flexibility gives us the added benefit of being able to use it for traffic management as well. Its deployment has meant that we can provide enhanced protection to fans queuing to enter the stadium without the expenses and inconvenience of fixed security bollards and structures. “

OktaBlock is available in the UK from Hörmann either to purchase or hire by agreement.

To find out more about Hörmann OktaBlock visit Mobile vehicle barriers for increased security | Hörmann or call our Key Account Manager, Paul Tulley on 07894 611932 or 01530 516868.