London City Hall

johnbeardy · Jun 7, 2004

On the topic of standing up against officials, (BTW well done to the NY photographers), a few weeks ago I posted about a guard trying to stop me using a tripod to photograph London City Hall.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=8885711

Well, I emailed the mayor and got this response from his office (in full, with original grammar):
"Dear Mr Beardsworth

Thank you for your correspondence. The site is run by our landlord More London who operates the external security. The landlord who privately owns City Hall and its area also funded the development.

We assume the More London security guard incorrectly believed you to be a member of the press. We actively encourage the public to visit and enjoy City Hall and its surroundings and are confident that More London will address this issue.
Yours sincerely
(name and position)"

As an aside, I had actually told the mayor that I had told the guard that I was photographing for pleasure.

Anyway, I'd encourage you to photograph this interesting building, use a tripod, and if a little man in a uniform tries to stop you, just ask him how he is actively encouraging the public to enjoy the building and its surroundings.
John

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http://www.beardsworth.co.uk/

DavidMillier · Jun 7, 2004

I had a similar experience at Canary Wharf.

A security guard stopped me photographing from the street because I was 'using a tripod and must be a pro and therefore needed to apply for a permit'.

Maybe the Canary Wharf developers own the Isle of Dogs streets, I couldn't say, but surely this is going beyond the call of duty. Rather than argue, I just went around the corner out of sight and carried on...

johnbeardy said:
On the topic of standing up against officials, (BTW well done to
the NY photographers), a few weeks ago I posted about a guard
trying to stop me using a tripod to photograph London City Hall.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=8885711
Well, I emailed the mayor and got this response from his office (in
full, with original grammar):
"Dear Mr Beardsworth
Thank you for your correspondence. The site is run by our landlord
More London who operates the external security. The landlord who
privately owns City Hall and its area also funded the development.
We assume the More London security guard incorrectly believed you
to be a member of the press. We actively encourage the public to
visit and enjoy City Hall and its surroundings and are confident
that More London will address this issue.
Yours sincerely
(name and position)"
As an aside, I had actually told the mayor that I had told the
guard that I was photographing for pleasure.
Anyway, I'd encourage you to photograph this interesting building,
use a tripod, and if a little man in a uniform tries to stop you,
just ask him how he is actively encouraging the public to enjoy the
building and its surroundings.
John

------------------------------------------
http://www.beardsworth.co.uk/

Dave 95 · Jun 26, 2004

DavidMillier said:
johnbeardy wrote:

a few weeks ago I posted about a guard

DavidMillier said:
DavidMillier said:

trying to stop me using a tripod to photograph London City Hall.

Click to expand...

DMillier said:
I had a similar experience at Canary Wharf.

In London, any pedestrian area that is not a public street is becoming no-go for tripod photography - but last year I came across my first example of hand-held being prohibited: the new glass-covered square next door to the Tower of London.

Dave.

london Luke · Jun 26, 2004

Sorry..........

But if you accept it than it will get worse and worse. tell the muppets to go and get full legal documentation that they are correct and are also in a position to enforce it. Dont care about uniforms..they could be kinky buggers !!!

Unless I see it in black and whit or there are clear signs then I just carry on with what I am doing.If they try to stop me I give them the "Manfrotto kiss"

Sorry I shot you...

*isteve · Jun 26, 2004

Legally, no one can stop you shooting from public property (even if what you are shooting is private) but any landlord has the right to restrict photography on private land.

Using a tripod could be regarded as causing an obstruction. However thats a matter for the police. Film crews and so on DO have to obtain permits before they can erect tripods or other fixed objects and carry insurance.

If you are on public property then you can tell any jumped up security guard to shove off or call the police. They have no jurisdiction. Strictly speaking they are harassing you.
Steve

London luke said:
Sorry..........
But if you accept it than it will get worse and worse. tell the
muppets to go and get full legal documentation that they are
correct and are also in a position to enforce it. Dont care about
uniforms..they could be kinky buggers !!!

Unless I see it in black and whit or there are clear signs then I
just carry on with what I am doing.If they try to stop me I give
them the "Manfrotto kiss"

Sorry I shot you...

Dave 95 · Jun 27, 2004

*isteve said:
If you are on public property then you can tell any jumped up
security guard to shove off or call the police. They have no
jurisdiction. Strictly speaking they are harassing you.
Steve

Unfortunately a lot of the London public spaces are private land such as Canary Wharf , St Katherine's Dock and Broadgate. I'd like to see London Luke try a Manfrottto kiss at Broadgate.

And even those that are publicly owned such as Covent Garden Piazza and the Royal Parks are subject to local byelaws.

For example, I found this in the Trafalgar Square Byelaws:

'No person shall within the Square.. take photographs or any other recordings of visual images for the purpose of or in connection with a business, trade, profession or employment or any activity carried on by a person or body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate; '

The problem is, how can they tell? You say its non-commercial they think its commercial. They may decide that if you are using a tripod then it's commercial and you must apply for a permit.

Dave95

london Luke · Jun 28, 2004

Unless there are clear signs or the person can show me legal proof that no photography is allowed.Also that they have the power to enforce the laws then its a no go. I carry on .Why should i believe some one in a cheap jacket and tie???

Also until they can prove it to me they have no right to try to stop me and any attempt will be common assault I would reserve the right to defend myself.

Some time the world takes us for a ride.
--
Sorry I shot you...

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