CCTV Laws UK 2025: What Homeowners & Businesses Must Know

Installing CCTV is one of the most effective ways to protect property. But in the UK, there are strict rules about how systems should be installed, used, and monitored. Whether you’re a homeowner in Hull fitting a simple driveway camera, or a business owner installing a large surveillance system, you need to make sure your setup complies with the law.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CCTV laws in the UK for 2025.

• Homeowners: Most people can install CCTV on their property without planning permission. The only exception is if you live in a listed building or conservation area – check with your local council first.

• Businesses: Commercial properties can also install CCTV freely, but they must comply with UK GDPR if footage captures members of the public.

• You can record within your property boundary (house, garden, driveway).

• If cameras overlook a neighbour’s property, street, or public space, GDPR rules apply.

• Always aim to minimise intrusion into areas you don’t own.

• Businesses: Yes. If your CCTV records public areas or employees, you must clearly display signs that CCTV is in operation.

• Homes: Legally not required unless your system records public areas, but recommended to avoid disputes with neighbours.

• The law doesn’t specify an exact timeframe, but GDPR requires you only keep footage as long as necessary.

• Businesses often keep footage for 30 days, unless needed for an investigation.

• Homeowners should follow the same rule of thumb.

• Register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

• Inform people via signage.

• Only keep footage as long as necessary.

• Provide copies of footage if requested under a Subject Access Request.

• Cameras pointing directly into neighbours’ gardens or windows.

• Keeping footage for months without a valid reason.

• No signage in commercial spaces.

• Not registering with the ICO when required.

CCTV laws can be confusing, especially with GDPR requirements. At Cobra Fire and Security, we:

• Design CCTV systems that meet UK legal standards.

• Install cameras in the right places to avoid disputes.

• Provide ongoing CCTV maintenance to ensure compliance.

Looking to install CCTV in Hull or across East Yorkshire? Learn more about our CCTV installation services