Throw your camera in the bin

[Chalk Downlanders]

Hi Folks
Long time no see
You may find this a little alarming if you like to use your camera in a public place
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop proposed restrictions regarding photography in public places.

Kev

[Fourwings]

Hallo Kev, nice to see you back.

[nightshade]

Throw your camera at a politician,make it count

[Oy]

This has been done to death on most photography forums.

If you can find any official information - not just internet speculation - I'd be grateful for it.

[matt_xyz]

I think this is the 3rd thread on this topic on WAB

There seems little substance to it....

Matt

[glsammy]

That's the problem with the No.10 Petition site, anyone can start any they like...be they factual or not.

[nightshade]

Didn't this start when someone was told they
needed permission to take up pavement space
to photograph the London Eye and were told to
move or book a date

[Gaina]

I signed that petition and got this email back today:

E-Petition: response from the Government
The e-petition asking the Prime Minister to "Stop proposed restrictions regarding photography in public places" is on-going. This is a response in advance of the closing date from the Government.

Thank you for signing the petition on the Downing Street website calling for the Prime Minister to stop proposed restrictions on photography in public places.

This petition has already attracted over 60,000 signatures from people who obviously share your concern. Not surprisingly, the idea that the Government might be poised to restrict your ability to take photos has caused some puzzlement and even alarm.

We have therefore decided to respond to this petition before its closing date of August, in order to reassure people.

The Government appreciates that millions of people in this country enjoy photography. So we have checked carefully to see if any Government department was considering any proposal that might possibly lead to the sort of restrictions suggested by this petition. We have been assured this is not the case.

There may be cases where individual schools or other bodies believe it is necessary to have some restrictions on photography, for instance to protect children, but that would be a matter for local decisions.

In fact, Simon Taylor, who started the petition, has since made clear that he was not really referring to Government action or legislation. His main concern appears to be that photographic societies and other organisations may introduce voluntary ID cards for members to help them explain why they are taking photographs. Again, any such scheme would not involve the Government.

We hope this re-assures you and clears up the confusion.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by glsammy

That's the problem with the No.10 Petition site, anyone can start any they like...be they factual or not.

Quite. As Gaina's response shows, they are often not even directed at anyone in particular! As has been pointed out in other threads, this had nothing to do with the government at all

[Za]

But just to be on the safe side, my bin is always open feel free to drop em in!