Rail industry told the clock is ticking on Martyn's Law preparation

An article on railuk.com flagged that the rail sector has less than a year left to prepare for Martyn's Law — the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed. The piece reflects a wider push across many sectors to use the lead-in time well.

Large stations, transport hubs and the many cafes, shops, halls and event spaces around them can attract significant crowds. Where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time, premises fall into the standard tier. At 800 or more, the enhanced tier applies. These counts include staff, not just the public. Many venues near or within transport settings will sit comfortably within scope.

"Less than a year" sounds tight, but the duties are still not enforceable today. The point being made is that preparation takes time, so starting early avoids a last-minute scramble. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, and its notification process is not yet live.

Use this period to get familiar with the two tiers and work out which one your premises is likely to fall into based on realistic capacity. Think through simple, sensible steps you could take to reduce risk and help people stay safe. There is nothing to submit yet, so focus on understanding your situation and planning ahead calmly.