**Updated May 2026** — This article reflects the Section 27 statutory guidance published on 15 April 2026, including the four formal categories of public protection measures for the enhanced tier (monitoring, movement, physical safety and security, and security of information) — three of which AV technology directly supports — and the SIA's Section 12 enforcement consultation (open until 12 June 2026), which is particularly relevant to anyone deploying mass communication or integrated control platforms.
This article is part of our comprehensive guide to Martyn's Law. For an overview of the legislation, who it applies to, tier requirements, implementation timelines, and how AV technology can support compliance, see our complete guide to Martyn's Law.
Martyn's Law will require public venues to prepare for emergencies, train their staff, and establish clear communication procedures. Audio-visual (AV) technology, especially digital signage, audio systems, and integration platforms, can play a crucial role in fulfilling these requirements. With statutory guidance now live and commencement signalled for Spring 2027, this article examines how modern AV solutions can aid in compliance and enhance safety.
How AV maps to the four formal categories of public protection measures
The April 2026 statutory guidance formalised four categories of public protection measures that enhanced-tier responsible persons must consider. AV technology directly supports three of them:
**Monitoring** — CCTV, video walls in command centres, occupancy analytics and crowd-density sensors give security teams the situational awareness needed to detect issues early and respond.
**Movement** — digital signage, wayfinding kiosks, voice evacuation and PA systems control how people move through a venue both day-to-day and in an emergency, including diverting people away from incident locations.
**Physical safety and security** — integrated control platforms tying signage, PA, CCTV and access control into a single interface allow security teams to issue coordinated, simultaneous alerts and can trigger lockdowns automatically.
The fourth category — security of information — is largely a policy and process matter, but is influenced by how the integrated AV stack handles credentials, recordings and operator access.
Why AV technology matters
The Act emphasises risk assessments, staff training, preparedness planning and clear communication systems. While physical security remains essential, effective communication is what guides people during a crisis. Digital displays, public address (PA) systems, and integrated control platforms provide the speed, clarity and coordination needed to save lives. The April 2026 statutory guidance reinforces this: enhanced-tier "movement" measures (controlling how people enter, queue, circulate and exit) and "monitoring" measures (CCTV and observation) are exactly where well-designed AV pays for itself.
Real‑time emergency communication
In high‑risk scenarios, communication speed can save lives. Digital signage networks can be overridden to display urgent messages, such as evacuation instructions, assembly points or threat notifications, across a venue. These dynamic displays deliver location‑specific information far faster than printed signs. Integrating signage with emergency alert systems and PA speakers enables simultaneous visual and audio cues, ensuring everyone, including those with visual or hearing impairments, receives clear instructions.
Crowd management and wayfinding
During both everyday operations and emergencies, digital signage aids crowd control. Strategically placed screens display content based on live footfall data or instructions from a control room. By showing directional arrows or colour‑coded routes, signage helps maintain orderly flow, reduces congestion and mitigates panic.
Staff and visitor education
A key pillar of Martyn's Law is ongoing training and awareness. Digital signage can broadcast safety tips and emergency protocol videos, reinforcing preparedness in a visually engaging way. Scheduling content to play during off‑peak times ensures that staff and visitors see important messages without interrupting daily activities. E‑learning modules and interactive displays can further support staff training.
For a detailed implementation timeline and compliance checklist, see our guide: Martyn's Law Implementation Timeline & Compliance Checklist.
Integration with Surveillance and Control Systems
Digital signage reaches new heights in effectiveness and versatility when it is interconnected with comprehensive audiovisual (AV) infrastructures, including closed-circuit television (CCTV), access control systems, and public address (PA) systems. By adopting a unified platform, security personnel can seamlessly push tailored messages and alerts to screens based on real-time data gathered from cameras and various sensors throughout the venue. This integration allows for dynamic content that responds instantly to situational changes, such as emergencies or security threats.
Additionally, a centralised command ecosystem not only enhances communication but also significantly reduces response times in critical scenarios. For instance, if surveillance detects unusual activity, the system can trigger an immediate alert and display relevant information to designated screens, ensuring that both security teams and patrons are informed quickly and accurately. This coordinated approach across large venues fosters a more agile and proactive security strategy, ultimately improving overall safety and operational efficiency. By harnessing the power of interconnected technology, organisations can create a more secure environment while maximising the impact of their digital signage initiatives.
Accessible and inclusive communication
Martyn's Law highlights the importance of inclusivity. Providing information in multiple languages and utilizing visual cues helps individuals who do not speak English or who have hearing impairments. Implementing visual alarms, such as strobe lights or icons, alongside audible alerts ensures that everyone can access essential information. Additionally, venues should consider installing inductive hearing loops and captioned videos to meet accessibility standards.
Beyond digital signage: the wider emergency communication system
While digital signage is central, an emergency communication system for Martyn's Law typically pulls together several layers of AV technology:
**Public address (PA) systems and mass notification platforms** – the public address system UK venues already rely on for routine announcements becomes the backbone of the emergency communication system, delivering clear audio instructions across both indoor and outdoor spaces. Integration with signage ensures consistent messaging.
**Voice alarm system and voice evacuation system** – a voice alarm system delivers automated, intelligible spoken instructions during a fire or terror alert, while a voice evacuation system covers the same ground in venues where the legacy fire-alarm signal isn't sufficient. Both are commonly specified for enhanced-tier sites and for any venue with complex circulation, balconies, or back-of-house areas where verbal instruction is needed.
**Wayfinding kiosks and interactive displays** – provide visitors with maps, emergency procedures and contact information. They can switch to emergency evacuation signage mode automatically during an incident.
**Sound masking systems** – improve speech intelligibility and privacy during daily operations, then yield priority to the voice evacuation system to broadcast emergency announcements.
**Occupancy sensors and analytics** – monitor crowd density and environmental conditions to trigger alerts or adjust messaging in real time (e.g., directing people away from congested exits).
Practical considerations and next steps
**Assess your existing infrastructure.** Inventory your current AV systems, displays, speakers, and control processors, and identify gaps. Strive AV offers comprehensive assessments to determine what upgrades are needed.
**Plan for integration.** Ensure digital signage, CCTV, access control and PA systems can communicate with one another. A centralised management platform allows you to override content and issue alerts quickly.
**Design accessible templates.** Prepare standard emergency templates in multiple languages, including icons and clear instructions. Test them with diverse user groups.
**Implement regular drills.** Use your AV systems to run simulated alerts so staff and visitors become familiar with emergency cues. Gather feedback and refine your procedures.
**Stay compliant with data and security standards.** When integrating surveillance and communications, ensure that data is stored securely and privacy regulations are respected.
Conclusion
AV technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but when it is combined with thorough risk assessments and staff training, it can significantly enhance emergency preparedness. By utilizing digital signage for real-time alerts, coordinating crowd movement, and educating both staff and visitors, venues can meet the communication requirements of Martyn's Law and create safer environments.
For more comprehensive information about Martyn's Law, including who it applies to, tier requirements, special considerations for education settings, and how AV technology can support compliance, see our complete guide to Martyn's Law.
Strive AV's Martyn's Law Compliance service specialises in designing and implementing integrated audiovisual (AV) solutions that meet the specific needs of your venue. We offer a range of services, including digital signage networks, public address (PA) systems, and comprehensive control platforms. Our team can help you integrate the necessary technology to ensure compliance and provide you with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What AV technology is required by Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law does not mandate specific AV technology. However, it does require effective communication procedures and proportionate protective measures. The April 2026 statutory guidance formalises four categories of enhanced-tier public protection measures — monitoring, movement, physical safety and security, and security of information — three of which AV directly supports. AV systems including digital signage, public address (PA) systems, voice evacuation, mass notification platforms, visitor management and integrated control platforms make these requirements practical to deliver, particularly for enhanced-tier venues.
Q.Can digital signage be used to deliver emergency alerts?
Yes. Digital signage networks can be configured to override regular content and display urgent messages — evacuation instructions, assembly points, threat notifications — across an entire venue. Combining signage with PA systems delivers simultaneous visual and audio cues, ensuring people with visual or hearing impairments also receive clear instructions.
Q.Is CCTV mandatory under Martyn's Law?
CCTV is not explicitly mandatory but is a typical proportionate measure for enhanced-tier venues, where physical security must be considered as part of the risk assessment. Standard-tier venues are not required to install CCTV. Where CCTV is used, integrating it with access control and digital signage enables faster, coordinated incident response.
Q.How do PA and voice evacuation systems support compliance?
PA and voice evacuation systems deliver clear audio instructions across large or noisy spaces, including outdoor areas. Modern systems integrate with fire alarms, signage and centralised control platforms so that emergency announcements can be triggered from a single point and adapted to changing conditions in real time.
Q.What is a unified control platform and why does it matter?
A unified control platform connects digital signage, PA, CCTV, access control and sensors so security teams can issue coordinated alerts from a single interface. Tied to occupancy analytics, it can route people away from congested exits, lock down zones automatically and broadcast tailored messages — significantly reducing response time in critical incidents.
Q.Does AV technology help meet accessibility requirements?
Yes. Visual alarms, captioned video instructions, multilingual signage templates and inductive hearing loops ensure that people with hearing or visual impairments and non-English speakers receive critical information. Pairing visual cues with audible alerts is a core principle of Martyn's Law's emphasis on inclusive communication.
