Martyn’s Law is set to elevate the landscape of public safety across the UK, bringing a heightened focus on perimeter security for public spaces. Jon Trott, managing director of Cova Security Gates, discusses the importance of safe, secure and discreet security measures in high-footfall areas, particularly as we approach the festive season.
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets appear in cities and towns across the UK, attracting families, friends and tourists to enjoy mulled wine, festive treats and handcrafted gifts.
This celebration often draws vast crowds, and with them comes a crucial reminder for event organisers – the importance of public safety. This year, more than ever, security will be at the forefront of the public conversation with the introduction of Martyn’s Law.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Since 2017, Counter Terrorism Policing assessed that there have been 15 domestic terror attacks in the UK, and agencies and law enforcement have disrupted 39 late-stage plots.
Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, will ensure that the public will be better protected from terrorism under new laws requiring many public venues to improve preparedness against attacks and bring in measures to help keep people safe.
The new legislation is known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The Prime Minister made a personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, that he would bring in this law.
Under the new changes, those responsible for premises will be required to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the public safe. The aim is to make sure staff at public venues and events have the skills and knowledge to protect themselves and others, minimising the impact of a terrorist attack.
A standard tier premises will apply to locations with a capacity of more than 200 people but under 800. These businesses will be asked to undertake simple yet effective activities to put in place procedures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. These could be as simple as training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.
The enhanced tier will apply to premises and events with a capacity of more than 800 individuals, given the devastating impact an attack could have in these spaces. These locations will need to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring security staff.
Access control
One of the primary concerns for event organisers in line with Martyn’s Law is controlling access to and from public spaces. After all, Christmas markets are notoriously crowded, with people coming and going in large numbers.
It is integral that solutions offer an element of control, so that in case of an emergency, areas can be blocked off to isolate the potential risk. This could come in the form of rapid-deployment barriers, modular fencing or temporary gating systems that can be swiftly activated or repositioned.
Under Martyn’s Law, such measures are crucial because they directly address the core principles – assessing risks and taking steps to mitigate them. By having flexible, deployable physical security systems, venues and event organisers can ensure that crowds are safely managed, and threats can be contained.
This Bill emphasises the need for preparedness in public spaces; by having a bespoke on-ground solution, event organisers can also plan clear and well-communicated evacuation routes.
This approach not only complies with requirements, but also enforces the importance of dynamic security in high footfall areas, where the ability to control movement and isolate risks is critical to protecting lives.
Aesthetic solutions
Around the festive period, event organisers will want as much footfall as possible at their events. Therefore, it is important to consider the look of the security solution in the surrounding environment and how it blends in. After all, people go to these events to have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
To achieve this, event organisers might consider themed fencing or barriers that incorporate seasonal designs, blending security with celebration. While security is heightened, the look and feel of the event shouldn’t be overshadowed by heavy-duty measures.
Careful planning and security precautions can help to mitigate the impact that potential threats can have. Ensuring that public spaces are safe, secure, as well as welcoming and attractive.
The future of securing public places
The introduction of Martyn’s Law marks a new era for public safety in the UK. While the law brings necessary and overdue security enhancements, it also presents challenges for organisers of public events, particularly those like Christmas markets, which rely on warm, welcoming environments.
The key to navigating these challenges is finding a balance between safety and security, without sacrificing the holiday spirit that makes these events so special.
