1. The developing risk of terrorist activity has become a matter of concern to the law enforcement agencies. Analyses of potential planning of terrorist activity indicate the possible use of heavy goods vehicles, particularly tankers, as carriers of explosive materials.

2. Review of risk management strategy by transport companies is therefore recommended. Our vehicles have real potential to create maximum dramatic effect if used in terrorist acts, exactly the disruptive effect and publicity sought by terrorist groups.

3. Fuel tankers, particularly one carrying petrol and LPG, driven at speed into a target building could produce devastating results. If loaded with explosive material, the resulting injury and damage would be devastating.

4. An internet report has been published describing the defusing of a bomb attached to a road fuel tanker planned to be driven into a city centre service station in the United States. This apparently did not involve a suicidal driver; the device was attached to the tanker body and designed to be detonated by a remote radio signal.

5. It is difficult to protect commercial vehicles against such a threat. Nevertheless it is timely and sensible for all companies involved in road transport operations to ensure that their security procedures take account of the present threat. It is known that simple basic security precautions designed to address the theft risk can have meaningful deterrent effects.

6. The following bullet points may assist in the formulation of security policy:

6.1 Managers should endeavour to keep abreast of the current risk level. Regular contact with local police and RHA will assist in this. A security strategy, based upon awareness and vigilance, appropriate to the assessment of risk should be established. Contingency planning is vital.

6.2 Pre-employment vetting checks on new staff should be intensified.

6.3 Staff should be made aware of the threat and regularly reminded periodically of their responsibilities and the need for vigilance. This applies particularly to drivers, yard staff and security personnel, but an element of security should be in everyone's job description.

6.4 All vehicles should be locked and immobilised when unattended or not in use. It should be borne in mind that such vehicles include uncoupled trailers, whether loaded or not.

6.5 Before any vehicle leaves secure premises or when having been left unattended, visual checks should be made to identify any attached suspicious packages or devices.

6.6 Routine security measures taken to address the risk of theft will also help to deter any terrorist threat.

6.7 Many vehicles now carry immobilisation devices as an option fit; these are strongly recommended.

6.8 It is essential that vehicle keys are held in secure conditions when the vehicles are unattended and issued only to known and trusted individuals. This will entail a strong lockable cabinet, held in a locked and alarmed, or continuously manned, office.

6.9 If keys are lost or compromised in any way the locks should be changed. The loss of keys by neglect should carry the sanction of disciplinary action.

6.10 When a vehicle is disposed of it is essential that all livery is removed beforehand.

6.11 Care must be taken formally to identify the purchaser. If any suspicion arises regarding his/her bona fides the police should be advised.

6.12 A record of the disposal process and the purchaser must be maintained. This is particularly important with regard to trailer units, which may later be difficult or even impossible to identify.

6.13 Tanker vehicles are stolen much less often than conventional goods vehicles. If such a theft occurs and is discovered promptly, whilst the vehicle is likely still to be in the area, operators should advise the police accordingly. Do not be deterred from dialling "999" or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321 if circumstances indicate that an immediate emergency police response may be effective.