As Martyn's Law approaches, this free special report from LocalGov and Hill & Smith sets out how councils can protect public spaces without shutting them down.
Public spaces are one of local government's greatest assets — the markets, high streets, civic squares and events that bring communities together. But the same openness that makes these spaces valuable also makes them vulnerable, and councils are now under growing pressure to do something about it.
The Manchester Arena Inquiry, ongoing terrorism concerns and the incoming Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — better known as Martyn's Law — all point to the same conclusion: councils need a more systematic, proportionate approach to protecting the people who use their streets, markets and civic spaces, without turning those spaces into fortresses.
This free special report from LocalGov, produced in partnership with Hill & Smith, cuts through the confusion around vehicle security and Martyn's Law, setting out what the legislation actually requires and how councils are putting protective security into practice — without shutting the public realm down.
What's inside the report?
Drawing on expert insight and real-world case studies, How to Protect the Public Realm: Protective security for local government events and places covers:
What Martyn's Law actually requires. A clear breakdown of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, who it applies to, and what councils responsible for public events and spaces need to do to comply.
A Q&A on getting temporary vehicle security right. Practical guidance on where hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) fits into a proportionate response, and how to avoid over- or under-engineering a solution.
Three case studies in protective security. How York Minster secured its New Year's Eve crowds, how Bilston Market delivered a rapid-turnaround permanent HVM gate, and how organisers protected three London landmarks during a 20,000-runner half marathon.
How to design out vehicle threats without designing out community. Guidance on balancing security with openness, so protective measures enhance rather than undermine public spaces.
Who should read this report?
This report is essential reading for council leaders, event and public realm managers, community safety officers, and anyone responsible for the security of markets, high streets, civic spaces or public events. Whether you're preparing for Martyn's Law compliance, planning a major event, or reviewing the security of a permanent public space, this report offers practical, evidence-based guidance on protecting the public realm the right way.
Download your free copy today and discover how to protect the people who use your public spaces without shutting those spaces down.
How to Protect the Public Realm: Protective security for local government events and places is a special report produced by LocalGov in partnership with Hill & Smith.
