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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Wales, UK
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Downing Street respond to Photography Laws Petition
The Prime Minister's office has responded to a petition asking to "clarify the laws surrounding photography in public places". The peitition was signed by 5,792 people.
The petition was started by Adam Jones with the following:
And the Prime Minister's Office respond with:
The petition was started by Adam Jones with the following:
Quote:
Through history, we have documented the world around us, whether through written word, art or photography. Photography in particular has provided fantastic insights into the past and present, and is a hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. But today, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to take photos of our surroundings, particularly in cities like London. In recent years, the price divide between professional and consumer equipment has blurred, and it’s quite common these days to see amateurs and hobbyists carrying around tripods, SLR cameras and a backpack full of equipment. Yet, we are constantly harrassed by security guards and police officers in the name of preventing terrorism. They seem to be operating under a different interpretation of the law to the rest of us, believing that somehow the length of your lens, or size of your camera is relevant. We would like clarification by the goverment on the law regarding photography of buildings and landmarks from public locations.
Quote:
Thank you for your e-petition asking for clarification of the law on photography in public places.
There are no legal restrictions on photography in public places. However, the law applies to photographers as it does to anybody else in a public place. So there may be situations in which the taking of photographs may cause or lead to public order situations, inflame an already tense situation, or raise security considerations. Additionally, the police may require a person to move on in order to prevent a breach of the peace, to avoid a public order situation, or for the person’s own safety or welfare, or for the safety and welfare of others.
Each situation will be different and it would be an operational matter for the police officer concerned as to what action if any should be taken in respect of those taking photographs. Anybody with a concern about a specific incident should raise the matter with the Chief Constable of the relevant force.
There are no legal restrictions on photography in public places. However, the law applies to photographers as it does to anybody else in a public place. So there may be situations in which the taking of photographs may cause or lead to public order situations, inflame an already tense situation, or raise security considerations. Additionally, the police may require a person to move on in order to prevent a breach of the peace, to avoid a public order situation, or for the person’s own safety or welfare, or for the safety and welfare of others.
Each situation will be different and it would be an operational matter for the police officer concerned as to what action if any should be taken in respect of those taking photographs. Anybody with a concern about a specific incident should raise the matter with the Chief Constable of the relevant force.
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Admin Team
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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So I guess they're saying we can take pictures in public so long as we are not breaking the law (tell us something we don't know!). But in addition we have to 'move on' if a police officer asks us to, even if that is to merely avoid any of the following: "...a breach of the peace, to avoid a public order situation, or for the person’s own safety or welfare, or for the safety and welfare of others."
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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I got asked to put my camera away in the Trafford Centre. I wasn't quite sure of my rights , so didn't argue.
I wasn't quite sure of my rights , so didn't argue.
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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If it's private property then you don't have any rights to photo there - unless you got the all clear first 
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2007
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How can a public place such as the Trafford Centre be classed as "private"? Just makes me 
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Admin Team
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Is it a shopping centre? If so it is private property, not a public space.
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Join Date: Aug 2008
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It's a fairly non-commital answer, but I take comfort in the first line
"There are no legal restrictions on photography in public places."
That'll do me
Alan.
"There are no legal restrictions on photography in public places."
That'll do me
Alan.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz
Is it a shopping centre? If so it is private property, not a public space.
Yes, if it is private, a lot of shopping places (normally the old outdoor ones) are council owned, and you are okay there.
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Join Date: Aug 2008
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To be honest I am sick of the police state we are living in...no, I have nothing to hide, I am all in support of catching offenders etc. etc. but honestly this country is all about snooping, cctv, the govt right to log all your emails, phone calls, websites you visit, sharing information, cameras reading your number plate, everything logging information about you and now resticted rights in the street. You kick off, get arrested and your DNA, fingerprints and photograph are on a database (even though the European Court says it is in breach of Human Rights)...am I a lefty, no not at all... The whole issue of public photography is disappointing...if you aren't a terrorist you are probably a paedophile...at least you are a weirdo...particularly if you are a man. Think I am wrong? If you saw a man with a camera in a public park wouldn't you look out for your kids? 20 years ago we wouldn't have battered an eyelid I'm sure...
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lincolnshire UK
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We had to *move on* whilst taking pics of a power station ...they even took our names, address and car reg ..I was LIVID, we were taking pics of the steam only AND I showed them plus we were on the road ...public road
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