Every now and again we see stories in the media, particularly photography magazines where photographers feel harassed by the police or over zealous security guards telling them, “You can’t photograph here, it’s illegal”. Yes there are certain restrictions on some government buildings and installations and also on private property but even when it is quite obviously a public place, there are reports of photographers being stopped and questioned under some terrorist law or other (There seems to be plenty to choose from nowadays) or some half informed officious looking jobsworth making it quite clear that their actions represent a threat to security.

Well there is now a response from the Prime Minister following a recent e-petition asking about the rules surrounding photography in public. His reply…

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

Well that clears everything up then!