Public safety in the UK is undergoing a major shift with the introduction of Martyn’s Law legislation, a proactive measure designed to enhance security in public venues and prevent acts of terrorism.
The law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, and aims to place a legal obligation on venue operators to ensure protection against threats. A key part of this new approach involves the expanded use of CCTV and surveillance systems. As Martyn’s Law moves toward implementation, surveillance will become essential for meeting legal requirements and improving public safety.
Martyn’s Law UK is officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. The legislation introduces a framework based on capacity, where qualifying venues must take steps to assess and mitigate risks. Smaller venues (capacities of 100–799 people) will need to implement basic security procedures, while larger venues (800 or more) will have stricter obligations.
Regardless of size, the main message of Martyn’s Law legislation is that the threat of terrorism must not be ignored. This move from reactive to proactive security is driving significant changes in how public spaces are managed.
Surveillance technology is, without doubt, one of the most effective ways to support compliance. High-quality CCTV systems and monitoring solutions are important for several reasons.
Surveillance plays a major role in conducting risk assessments, and reviewing footage helps identify vulnerable areas, blind spots and crowd patterns. This allows venues to strengthen weak areas before they become a more serious problem.
Real-time monitoring also enables rapid detection of suspicious activity or threats. Surveillance operators can flag up issues for investigation, which could give security teams the crucial seconds they need to intervene. In larger venues, this level of awareness can make all the difference.
Lastly, surveillance systems allow for a more coordinated emergency response. Security and emergency services can use live feeds to direct evacuations or find individuals in distress. Surveillance isn’t just for detecting threats; it helps to manage them effectively, too.
Martyn’s Law is enhancing security for all and is not just limited to terrorism prevention. The law also aims to create a wider culture of safety across venues. Surveillance contributes by acting as both a deterrent and a reassurance. The presence of visible CCTV can discourage criminal behaviour and boost public confidence, particularly in crowded or high-risk environments.
For venue owners, investing in integrated security systems will become increasingly necessary to meet the legal requirements.
With Martyn’s Law nearing rollout, venues must begin to evaluate their current security systems. For some, this will mean upgrading outdated surveillance systems. For others, it could involve implementing monitoring for the first time. Either way, surveillance will no longer be optional; it will be a legal duty.
Key steps toward compliance include:
Martyn’s Law legislation is a significant evolution in how the UK approaches public safety, and surveillance is at the heart of this change. To find out more about the surveillance and CCTV requirements that are coming, get in touch with our team here at AEL Systems.
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