Identify who owns the camera (shop, council estate, or TfL), then send a Subject Access Request (SAR) with the exact date/time, where you appear, and proof of ID. The controller should reply within one month, sometimes offering a redacted copy or viewing. Act fast—many systems auto-overwrite in ~30 days. See: [GOV.UK], [ICO], [TfL]. GOV.UK+2ICO+2
the feeling
A crash is loud, sudden, and messy. You did the right things—pulled over safely, took photos—but you’re still worrying, “Will anyone believe me?” In London, the clip that proves your side can quietly delete itself in a month—or sooner if storage is tight. You don’t have time to hesitate.
the promise
This guide shows you, in plain English, how to: find the camera owner in minutes, send a compliant SAR that actually gets answered, and submit your dashcam the right way. You’ll also see London-specific retention windows and the exact portals to use—so you keep your story intact.
the facts
You can legally request CCTV of yourself and should usually receive a response within one month; extensions apply only if the request is complex. Many London transport and borough systems keep footage for ~30–31 days before auto-deleting—so apply early. Learn more at [GOV.UK], [ICO], [TfL] and Camden’s code. Camden Council+3GOV.UK+3ICO+3
Locate the camera owner fast (shops, estates, TfL)
Why this comes first
Evidence expires. Your first job is to find the data controller—the person or organisation that decides how the camera is used.
What to do now (3 steps)
Scan for signage: shop name, estate office, or TfL property markers. Photograph any sign and note the exact camera position.
Write down precision: date, start-to-finish time range, location, what you were wearing/vehicle plate (if visible).
Politely ask to preserve a copy while your SAR is processed (many systems auto-overwrite). Learn how controllers handle requests in the ICO’s CCTV guidance. [ICO video surveillance]. ICO
Pro tip
If the incident was at or near a TfL bus or tube environment, retention is typically ~30 days for bus-station CCTV, so request immediately. [TfL]. Transport for London
Send a valid Subject Access Request (SAR) that works
Lead with rights, then get specific
Under UK data protection law, you can request personal data (including CCTV where you’re identifiable). The controller should respond within one month; they may extend to three months if your request is complex, but they must tell you within the first month and explain why. See [ICO time limits]. ICO+1
Your SAR checklist (copy, then paste into email):
Subject: Subject Access Request – CCTV images of me at [Location], [Date], [Time range]
I am requesting any CCTV images where I am identifiable at [exact spot/camera if known] on [date], between [time-from] and [time-to].
I appear wearing [brief description] and/or with vehicle [make/model/colour/reg].
Please preserve relevant footage while this request is processed.
I request a copy (or, if not possible due to third parties, an on-site viewing) and an explanation of any redactions.
Attached: proof of ID and proof of presence (photo/map pin/incident ref).
Please reply to [email/phone].
Redaction & viewing
If others appear, the controller may blur them or invite you to view on site instead of sending a file. That’s normal. See [GOV.UK] and [ICO SAR advice]. GOV.UK+1
If they’re slow or say “police only”
Remind them this is a SAR for personal data (not FOI), link the ICO page, and ask them to confirm preservation. If they extend the timeline, they must explain why. [ICO time limits]. ICO
How long is CCTV kept in London (shops, TfL, councils)?
Direct answer :
There’s no single UK rule—retention is set by each controller’s policy. In London, TfL’s bus-station CCTV is normally held ~30 days, Camden’s council systems state 31 days, and Westminster council estates store ~30 days before auto-deletion. Always request within 10–14 days if you can. See [TfL], [Camden], [Westminster]. Transport for London+2Camden Council+2
What this means for you
Use a tight time window (e.g., 18:20–18:35).
Ask for preservation immediately in your SAR.
If the first controller says they don’t have it, try adjacent cameras (next shop, crossroads, estate entrance).
Extra context
Some transport locations (e.g., parts of the Underground estate) have had shorter retention in the past; always check the current policy. [TfL FOI example]. Transport for Londo
Where do I submit dashcam footage in London?
Direct answer :
If you or a witness recorded the incident, keep the original file unedited and submit via the Met Police online portal or the National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP) (select the correct force). Include ~1 minute before/after if possible, and avoid posting publicly until the case is reviewed. See [Met Police], [NDSP]. Met Police+1
Do this next
Back up the card before you do anything else.
Keep filenames and timestamps intact.
Add a simple note: location, direction of travel, weather, plate if readable.
Why not social media first?
Public posting can prejudice proceedings—NDSP specifically advises against it. [NDSP]. Nextbase – Global
When police hold the footage (different rules apply)
Direct answer :
Once police hold footage, access may be governed by Data Protection Act 2018, Part 3 (law-enforcement processing). Disclosure can be limited during live investigations. The practical route is via your insurer/solicitor, who can request disclosure at the right stage. See the ICO’s law-enforcement right-of-access guidance. [ICO – LE access]. ICO
Set expectations
Ask your insurer/representative to request confirmation that preservation is in place.
SARs for police-held material can be refused or delayed if it would prejudice an investigation.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid each)
Vague timing → Be precise. Give a 15-minute window if possible and describe where you appear.
“Police only” reply → Re-frame as a SAR for your personal data; link the [GOV.UK] page; ask them to preserve a copy while they process. GOV.UK
Missed retention window → Check neighbouring cameras (another shop, estate gate, private car park).
Posting dashcam publicly → Avoid; submit to Met/NDSP first. Met Police+1
Assuming all CCTV = 30 days → It varies; TfL bus stations ~30, Camden 31, Westminster estates 30. Always verify current policy. [TfL], [Camden], [Westminster]
Service note & Mandatory Disclaimer
Service note (gentle, context-appropriate):
If your crash was non-fault and your vehicle is undriveable, you may still need to work, study, or care for family. If you choose to get practical help, we can coordinate 24-hour recovery, secure storage, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu for total loss, and like-for-like replacement hire (taxis/PHV, personal cars, vans, bikes), explained clearly in five languages—without hard sales pressure.
Mandatory Disclaimer :
Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England. Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.”
Need practical help in England?
Call: 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp: 07585 300 600
FAQS
Send a SAR to the owner (shop/council/TfL) with date/time/location, how you’re identifiable, and proof of ID. Ask them to preserve the clip while they process the request. Expect a reply within one month (extensions require justification). See [GOV.UK], [ICO].
Policies vary. TfL bus-station CCTV ~30 days; Camden 31 days; Westminster estates ~30 days. Always request within 10–14 days if you can. See [TfL], [Camden], [Westminster].
Use the Met Police portal for London or the NDSP (choose the correct force). Keep the original file, and include ~1 minute before/after for context. [Met], [NDSP].
They can’t ignore a valid SAR for your personal data. They may blur other people or invite you to view on site. If they extend timing, they must tell you within one month and explain. See [GOV.UK], [ICO].
Access may fall under law-enforcement processing (Part 3 DPA 2018). Disclosure can be limited during investigations; ask your insurer/solicitor to handle it. See [ICO – LE access].
