In regards to providing their collar numbers, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 which covers
stop and accounts does not state that this must be given but only that the reason for the stop be
provided. You are getting confused with stop and searches but there is no mention of a search.

The terms and conditions of filming (or taking photographs) on the Underground is a simple commercial contract between yourself and the London Underground. There is nothing in English Law which would forbid the taking of photographs on the Underground, and to make doing so a criminal offence. It would be up to the London Underground to persue the matter through the Civil Courts, which does not concern itself with criminal matters.

In short, the Police have lied to you. I would make a complaint if I were you, it seems as if you may well have a case to claim compensation, especially if you are a professional, you can also claim back the money you would have made by selling the photos which were ‘deleted’.

Good luck.

http://www.btp.police.uk/documents/stopandsearch/Stop%20and%20Search.pdf

Actually, I’m OnAlienCinema — it’s an anagram of America Online, folks! — aka a Friend Of Alex, aaka A Friend Of Adrian. I hope that clears everything up.

R

MindSpigot@flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mindspigot

You cannot photograph on the London Underground without prior permission and a £300 pound permit.

News reached me from OnAlienCinema. that a colleague of his has just a been stopped by a Policeman from taking photos in Kings X tube and asked not to ytake pictures and (told not forced) to delete his pictures on grounds of ‘security’. I’m not clear yet whether the terrorism act was specifically mentioned.

Knowing non flash photography without a tripod has always been allowed. And indeed in the Conditions of carriage confirms only flash, tripod (or other supports are banned). But oddly the Filming and Photography FAQ has recently been changed from only including film crews to covering *all* photographers, amateurs included.

Do you need to obtain permission to film or photograph on London Underground?
Yes, anybody wanting to film or take pictures must seek prior permission from the London Underground Film Office.
How much notice does London Underground require?
London Underground requires 2 weeks’ notice to set up an average sized filming/photography facility. In certain circumstances this can be turned around quicker, but it is dependent on the request itself.
How do you apply for a film/photography permit?
All requests must be in writing, preferably by one of our Permit Application forms. Click here for the Application form.
At what times can you film on London Underground?
Filming and photography will only be considered during the off-peak period (1030 – 1530 or after 1930 hours Monday to Friday). Weekends are more flexible and can normally be achieved all day at most stations.
…
How much does it cost to film/photograph on London Underground Limited?
Our rates start at £300 per hour for filming. Each facility is reviewed on a case by case basis and prices are dependent on a number of factors including the size of crew and the amount of equipment to be used.

I rang TfL on 0845 330 9876 they confirmed unequivocally nothing had changed and agreed the FAQ was ‘confusing’. He felt though it’s preferable if you can ask the station manager for permission, but agreed there’s no requirement to do so. He told me he thought a message had been passed on several times to the Film office. A couple of minutes later though the phone rang, the TfL guy said he had made a mistake the FAQ was right. He agreed nobody had told him and said he had just done “a double take” when told “every piece of film or photography must be authorised ”. He could not tell me how it was enforced or when it happened, only “quite recently I think” .

I am trying to find out how it is enforced (a new bylaw? Does an existing bylaw allow them to change the rules?) What publicity has been given? Why has it been done? Was there any consultation or publicity of any sort? I’ve never seen a no photography sign, does this mean the police and staff are going to waste lots of time hassling tourists and other amateur photographers?

More news after I have talked to TfL’s Film Office tomorrow (Thursday).

A couple of other resources:
See also Linda Macpherson’s excellent Photographers’ rights in the UK.

More on UK/Londoner photographers’ rights:
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146412220

Thanks to OnAlienCinema. for some some key URL finding.

• The Offical Secrets Act of 1911 makes it an offence to photograph a “Prohibited place”, This includes a train station if the secretary of state has declared it a “Prohibited place for the time being”. It is possible this has happened, but I don’t think its likely
• The Terrorism Act of 2000 makes it an offence to take a photo containing information that is likely to be of use to a terrorist planning an attack. My photos do not, but without looking at the photos there was no way for the police to know this.

It would seem they were within their rights to stop me. Whether or not the law is a good one or not, is a question for another day. Thought I might just ring them up anyway and ask under what law the stopped me. Just to see if they know… :-)