Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was introduced in response to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. It aims to improve public safety by ensuring organisations are better prepared to protect people in publicly accessible spaces.

The legislation encourages practical, proportionate measures that reduce risk and improve readiness. It places greater emphasis on understanding how spaces are accessed, how risks are identified, and how people are kept safe.

This article explores what Martyn’s Law means in practice and the role physical security measures, such as access control, perimeter protection and controlled entry points, play in creating safer environments.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is UK legislation designed to ensure organisations take appropriate steps to protect the public from potential threats in publicly accessible locations.

It applies to a wide range of settings, including entertainment venues, retail spaces, education facilities and transport hubs. A tiered approach means requirements vary depending on the size and nature of the venue, helping to keep expectations proportionate.

The legislation focuses on three core areas:

• Risk assessment
  Organisations must understand the specific risks associated with their site, including how people enter, move through and exit the space. 
• Preparedness planning
  Clear procedures should be in place to respond effectively in the event of an incident. 
• Staff awareness and training
  Teams need to be able to recognise risks and respond appropriately. 

For larger or higher-risk venues, this may extend to more detailed planning and enhanced protective measures.

Ultimately, Martyn’s Law does not propose fixed solutions for every site. Instead, it requires organisations to take a considered, site-specific approach based on their own environment and risk profile.

A shift towards proactive security

One of the most significant changes introduced by Martyn’s Law is the move from reactive to proactive security.

Rather than responding to incidents after they happen, organisations are expected to identify vulnerabilities in advance and take reasonable steps to reduce them. This brings physical infrastructure into focus, particularly how access to a site is controlled.

Entry points, vehicle routes and site boundaries are often the first line of defence. If these are poorly defined or unmanaged, they can create unnecessary risk.

Effective protection typically relies on a layered approach, combining:

• Operational procedures 
• Trained personnel 
• Monitoring and technology 
• Physical infrastructure 

Within this, measures such as access control systems, security-rated gates and perimeter protection help manage movement and deter unauthorised access. On their own, they are not enough, but as part of a wider strategy, they play a key role.

Why physical security is under greater scrutiny

As organisations review their responsibilities, attention naturally turns to how access is managed in practice.

Physical security creates structure around entry and exit points, helping ensure movement is controlled, monitored and, where necessary, restricted.

This can include:

Defining site boundaries

Establishing clear perimeters using appropriate systems helps prevent uncontrolled access. Security-rated sliding or bi-folding gates, for example, can manage vehicle entry without disrupting flow. 

Managing pedestrian access

Turnstiles and access control systems can guide foot traffic while limiting entry to authorised individuals. 

Controlling vehicle movement

Restricting access to approved vehicles reduces the risk of uncontrolled entry at key points. 

Supporting emergency response and safe egress

Any security measure must allow for quick and safe exit in an emergency, as well as access for emergency services. 

In higher-risk environments, solutions aligned with recognised standards such as LPS 1175 can provide additional assurance around resistance to forced entry. These measures are most effective when combined with a broader security strategy that includes planning, training and ongoing risk assessment. 

Key considerations for facilities and security managers

Understanding what Martyn’s Law requires starts with reviewing how a site currently operates. For many organisations, the focus is on identifying gaps and improving control rather than starting from scratch.

Site access and flow
A clear view of how people and vehicles move through a site is essential. Key questions include:

• Where are the main entry and exit points? 
• Are there informal or unmanaged access routes? 
• Do peak times create congestion or reduce visibility? 

Uncontrolled access points can introduce risk. Formalising these with appropriate measures, such as security-rated sliding gates or automatic barriers, can improve both security and efficiency.

Risk-based design

Not every site needs the same level of protection. Security measures should reflect:

• The type of site 
• The number of people using it 
• The potential risk level 

In some cases, a clearly defined perimeter with higher-rated protection may be appropriate. In others, lower-level controls combined with monitoring may be sufficient. The focus should be on proportionate, evidence-based decisions.

Integration with existing systems
Physical security works best when connected with other systems, such as:

• CCTV and monitoring platforms 
• Access control and credential systems 
• Site management processes 

For example, combining turnstiles with access control can ensure only authorised individuals enter specific areas, while also providing a clear record of movement.

Safety and compliance
Security measures must always balance protection with safety. This includes:

• Allowing safe emergency exit 
• Meeting UK safety standards 
• Minimising risk during everyday use 

Well-designed systems can support both security and safe movement without creating additional hazards.

Common challenges organisations will face

Many organisations are working with existing sites that were not designed with these requirements in mind. Retrofitting security measures into operational environments can be challenging, particularly where space is limited or layouts are fixed.

Budget is another consideration. Investment in security must be balanced with other priorities, making it important to focus on measures that deliver genuine risk reduction.

There is also the need to maintain a positive user experience. Security should not create unnecessary friction for staff, visitors or customers. Poorly implemented systems can lead to delays, confusion or even attempts to bypass controls.

These challenges highlight the importance of a site-specific approach. Rather than applying a standard solution, organisations benefit from assessing their environment in detail and identifying what is practical, proportionate and effective.

How specialist partners can support you 

For many organisations, meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law will involve working with experienced partners who understand every aspect of site security. The right partner can provide: 

• Site audits to identify vulnerabilities 
• Recommendations for appropriate measures 
• Design of integrated solutions 
• Guidance on compliance with relevant standards 

Every site presents different challenges, whether that is limited space, high footfall or complex access needs. Tailored solutions help ensure that security measures suit how your site actually functions.

Moving forward under Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law represents an important step in strengthening public safety across the UK. For facilities and security teams, it provides an opportunity to review existing arrangements and ensure that access, movement and site boundaries are clearly defined and well managed.

If you’re reviewing your current setup, get in touch with our expert team to discuss your access and perimeter security and explore what’s right for your site.