Wondering if you can request to see CCTV footage? Maybe you need a clip to clear up an incident, like a missing parcel or a bump to your car. Other times the concern is more about privacy, like spotting a neighbour’s camera aimed at your front door and wanting to know what it really captures.
Whatever the reason, UK data law gives you the right to make a CCTV footage request for images of yourself. This guide explains how the process works, what you’ll need to provide for the request, and simple steps to manage your own recordings with confidence.
Understanding Your Rights to CCTV Footage
In the UK, you have the right to see CCTV images of yourself. This right comes from the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 and is usually called a Subject Access Request (SAR).
If a camera has captured you, the person or organisation responsible for it (the “data controller”) must provide the footage unless an exemption applies. They may give you a copy or arrange for you to view it securely if you agree.
So, if you’re wondering, “Can I request CCTV footage of an accident?” the answer is yes if you’re identifiable in the recording.
A few things are worth knowing up front:
- Deadlines and cost:When you make an SAR, the camera owner should reply within one month. If your request is complex, they can extend this by up to two more months. In most cases, it’s free, though a fee can apply if the request is excessive or repeated.
- Other people’s privacy:If the footage shows anyone else, expect their faces to be blurred. That’s standard and helps protect their rights.
- Neighbourhood cameras:If a neighbour’s CCTV camera only films inside their boundary, data law doesn’t apply. But if it covers your driveway, the street, or any space beyond their property, the law does apply, and you can submit a request.
- Retention periods:Most systems don’t hold onto footage forever. Many overwrite after around 30 days, sometimes less. Timing is important, so act quickly if you think you’ll need a copy.
Now, you might also want to ask, can I request CCTV footage of someone else? The answer is not directly. The law only gives you access to your own personal data. If the clip shows both you and others, the camera owner should disclose your data and protect others, usually by blurring or removing their details.
If you need footage mainly showing other people (for example, for a claim), the camera owner may still refuse under the “information about other people” rules. A solicitor, insurer, or the police can request or obtain relevant footage where there’s a lawful basis.
That said, you can make a Subject Access Request on someone else’s behalf. To do this, you’ll need to show you have their permission or legal authority. Organisations usually ask for:
- Written consent from the person giving you permission, or
- A power of attorney or similar legal document.
This allows you to act for someone else, for example, a child, a vulnerable relative, or a client, while making sure the process still protects privacy and data rights.
How to Request CCTV Footage in the UK
Requesting CCTV footage of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step way to go about it:
1. Find out who owns the camera
Look for a sign near the camera, or ask directly if it’s a shop, landlord, council, or neighbour.
2. Make a clear Subject Access Request
Make a written request to the camera owner by writing an email or a letter.
In the request:
- Write clearly that you’re asking for CCTV footage of yourself under UK data protection law.
- Attach proof of your ID. This could be a copy of your passport or driving licence, or an official letter with your name and address, such as a utility bill.
- Note down the exact date, time, and location of the camera. Add details like what you were wearing, the make of your car, or a description of the event. This helps them spot you quickly before the footage is lost.
- State whether you prefer a copy or are content to view securely. You can also request a specific, common format where feasible.
3. Know the deadlines
They should reply within a month. They can extend by up to two more months if the request is tricky. Most requests are free, though a small fee is possible in rare cases.
4. Expect edits
Don’t be surprised if other people in the clip are blurred. That’s part of protecting everyone’s privacy.
5. If things stall
If you’re refused or the deadline slips by, ask for the reason. If you still feel it’s unfair, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). In criminal cases, the police can also request the footage directly.
Tools to Improve Your CCTV Coverage
If you’re setting up your own CCTV for your home or business, the gear you choose will decide how useful your recordings are later. The right security camera makes the difference between a blurry clip and footage you can actually use.
Look for features like:
- Higher resolution:2K or 4K cameras capture sharp detail that older systems often miss.
- Clear night vision or low-light settings:Most incidents happen after dark, so clear infrared or colour night footage is essential.
- Wide coverage:Wide-angle lenses, 360° PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) models, or multi-camera setups reduce blind spots and give you a fuller picture.
- Smart motion detection:Systems that spot people or vehicles, rather than every rustling branch, save storage space and make reviews faster.
With those points in mind, here are two smart kit choices from eufy that can give you that extra clarity and coverage when you need it most:
One option is the eufyCam S3 Pro 2-Cam Kit. Each camera records in true 4K and uses MaxColor Vision™ to keep colours accurate even at night, so details like number plates and clothing don’t disappear in the dark.
Power is handled by SolarPlus 2.0 panels built into the cameras, with an extra panel included in the box, which means you’re less likely to run out of charge even if one unit gets less sunlight.
The camera combines radar and PIR motion sensors, which helps cut down false alerts in busy streets or gardens. Footage saves locally on the HomeBase S380, with storage expandable up to 16 TB, so you don’t have to rely on monthly cloud fees.
It also works seamlessly with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Assistant. The appeal here is simple, wire-free coverage: fewer wasted alerts, sharper night vision, and long-term storage that you control.
For continuous, multi-area coverage, the eufy NVR Security System S4 Max uses wired PoE cameras designed for 24/7 recording. Each camera has a triple-lens design: a fixed 4K wide-angle lens (122°) plus two 2K lenses in the lower PTZ unit that gives a 360° view with 8× hybrid zoom.
When the wide-angle cam detects movement, the PTZ lenses step in with dynamic tracking and auto-framing. Subjects stay sharp and centred, even if they’re moving up to 50 metres away. In practice, you get context and close-ups in the same scene.
The system ships with four PoE Bullet-PTZ Cam S4s and the S4 Network Video Recorder (NVR), which comes with 2 TB of storage built in and can be expanded up to 16 TB. The NVR handles AI-powered keyword video search, live cross-camera tracking, and smart alerts, making it easier to find the right moment quickly.
Best Practices for Securing Your Own Footage
Just having good coverage isn’t enough. You also need to protect what you record. Follow these practices to make sure your footage is secure, usable, and respected under UK law.
- Limit access: Keep tight control over who can view or extract footage. Use strong passwords, limit accounts with admin access, and keep a log of who viewed or downloaded video.
- Encrypt footage and data channels: If your camera system allows it, use encryption’s built in: during recording, during transmission, and while stored. Secure connections (e.g. HTTPS, VPN for cloud systems) help protect your footage from being intercepted.
- Decide on a retention period: Decide how long you genuinely need recordings. 30 days is often standard unless there’s a reason. Then delete or overwrite as appropriate.
- Respect boundaries: Aim cameras where they’re needed and avoid recording into streets, neighbours’ homes, or gardens. If your system captures public areas, put up visible signs saying, “CCTV in operation”. That helps with transparency and can reduce complaints.
- Maintain and test regularly: Clean lenses, check for rust or damage, adjust focus, ensure firmware or software is updated. Test night-vision and playback modes now and then. A small problem left unchecked can lead to lost footage or unusable images.
Conclusion
CCTV is part of daily life in the UK and knowing how to handle it gives you peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with an incident, concerned about a neighbour’s camera, or simply curious about your rights, you can make a CCTV footage request to see images of yourself. The process is usually straightforward if you provide clear details and proof of identity. At the same time, looking after your own system responsibly, with good tools and secure practices, ensures that your recordings are reliable, private, and there when you need them.
FAQs
Who can view CCTV footage in the UK?
CCTV footage isn’t open to everyone. It can usually only be viewed by the camera owner, the organisation running the system, and their authorised staff. If you’d like to see images of yourself, you can submit a subject access request (SAR) under UK data protection law. In certain situations, the police, insurers, or legal representatives may also request access as part of an investigation.
How long is CCTV footage kept in the UK?
There isn’t a set legal rule for how long CCTV footage must be stored. Under UK data protection law, recordings should only be kept for as long as they’re needed for the reason they were collected. In practice, most homeowners or organisations keep footage for around 30 days, especially in public or business settings. Sometimes it’s kept longer, such as when a police investigation, insurance claim, or industry regulation requires it.
How to get access to public CCTV footage?
To request public CCTV footage of yourself, first find out who operates the cameras. This might be a council, transport provider, or business. You’ll then need to make a subject access request (SAR), including details such as the date, time, and location, along with proof of identity. Under UK data protection law, the organisation has one month to respond and may invite you to view the footage if a copy isn’t possible. Sometimes requests are refused or edited to protect other people’s privacy or ongoing investigations.
Can you request body cam footage from the police in the UK?
Wondering can I request CCTV footage from police? The short answer is yes if you are directly involved. You can request police body-worn camera footage that shows you by making a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the relevant police force. This falls under the UK Data Protection Act 2018. The police will review your request and may provide a copy, arrange a viewing, or refuse if releasing the footage could affect an investigation, public safety, or someone else’s rights.
