Southeastern rail.. photography on stations?

Question

Is it permitted to photograph trains from train stations, for purely non commercial purposes.

Answer 1

You may photograph trains, however, go to the nearest member of staff either ticket or platform and indicate what you are doing, you will still need either a travel ticket or platform ticket (yes they still do them) to ensure you are covered for insurance purpose whilst on the station. Abide by the rules and do not argue if you are told to move on or not stand at certain places, or not take photos for some reason that may not be explained.  Safety of yourself, other customers and those on trains are our first concern and although you may think your doing something safe and not affecting anyone, there is a lot more going on around a station than you think.

If you arrive at a bad time, or someone a little more official turns up, you may be asked to produce a letter from the company giving you permission to film or take photographs, in which case if you can not produce one you would have to stop.

Hope this helps and you are sucessful

Answer 2

Always obey the "No Trespassing" signs...I also like to wear a bright neon-colored red or yellow shirt, I figure it's less likely that they'll bother me if I stand out like a sore thumb...

If it's an unmanned station you're probably ok...but expect someone to ask why you're there and what you're doing.

It depends a lot on the people, I had one time at Union Station in Washington DC that I was waiting for my train (ticket in hand) and one person asked why I was there but then was satisfied with my answer but the next person was threatening me with all sorts of things...I asked and the Amtrak police said it was discouraged but not forbidden (I wasn't hiding what I was doing or the fact I had my ticket in hand for the train coming in 20 minutes)

In my county, the worst I've had is at the local unmanned platform, the local PD asked me to move along because I was loitering but that was the end of it.

Another place (not a station) the local PD stopped to ask what I was doing and then left me alone when they were satisfied that I wasn't doing anything illegal and didn't need any help.

Answer 3

if you mean in the US if you are on public property you can take

photos but you are bound  to get hassle by someone *eventally* who

will tell you its illegal (they are wrong)

but if you are on private property thats   a differnet story)

Answer 4

if your a rail traveller you don't ask for permission to travel on trains,your not considered a security risk,so why should some one,who just wants to take photo's of trains,so long as your courteous,stand well back,mind your p's and q's,there should be no problem

Answer 5

Yes, there is a code of conduct for amateur photographers on railway stations. There has been a lot of trouble which has been highlighted in both the railway and photographic press. The do's and don'ts are on the Network Rail and British Transport Police sites. Do not be put off by any jobsworth who says you can't - print out and have with you a copy of the code of conduct.

Answer 6

Taking photographs in public places such as a train station, can be considered a security risk. Therefore to take pictures, it is advisable to contact the security department, or the railroad police, if there is one in charge of the area you are interested in and ask nicely. Tell them what the pictures are for, such as personal use, and you should be able to take pictures. P.S.,watch for moving equipment if you are near tracks.

Answer 7

I dont think so.  I'm a fierfighter and needed to do a risk assessment on a trani station (milton keynes).  I had to get special permission to do it!

Answer 8

Yes, but I would always use the normal courtesies, ask first and tell them where I'd be and what I was doing.  I've never encountered a problem simply by letting people know and trying to get them on board by treating them respectfully.

Answer 9

Debatable.

It is private property, on the other hand there is an invitation to the public to enter.

I would say you would be ok but the station owners could ask you to cease and desist if they wanted to.

Answer 10

It isn't against the law to take photos of trains at stations, unless they happen to be on MOD property where, if you don't have permission to be there, you are trespassing and can be arrested and escorted off the premises or possibly detained.

However in the present climate, many railway officials are concerned about terrorists and this has led to a number of incidents where innocent railway enthusiasts have been challenged and told to stop taking photos and threatened with arrest if they don't comply.

IMO this is over the top. The railway is public property and anyone can enter a station platform. Enthusiasts have been photographing trains since Victorian times. It's an innocent pastime.

Good advice from posters above - it's always polite to let staff know who you are and what you are doing. Obey their instructions and pay attention to the 'No Trespassing' signs. They're there for your safety.

Answer 11

As a non-fare paying person you will simply need to ask to see the station manager. They will tell you straight away if you are permitted to take photographs.