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Post by spsmiler on Jul 6, 2015 20:56:30 GMT
Earlier today, Monday 6th July 2015 I was at Tower Gateway with my camcorder (its so small that it fits inside a pocket) and was chastised by a PSA for filming... he said that I need written permission and to be accompanied by DLR officials to ensure safety.
To my understanding what he said applies to commercial filming... TV adverts, the BBC etc. Or have the rules changed?
At the time of my encounter I was at the end of the arrivals platform, hoping to film C2C and DLR trains to the east of the station. So my camera was pointed away from the station. I refrained from filming whilst he was at the station but started again after his train had departed.
At some stage (unlikely this week) I plan to return to this station, to source 2015 views of what I filmed in 1990 when it had two tracks and Network SouthEast class 312 trains ran into the adjacent Fenchurch Street station.
Simon
ps: I have the PSA's ID number - I asked him for this. But out of respect I won't quote it here. However if someone asked for this privately then I'd be happy to share.
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rincew1nd
Administrator
Junior Under-wizzard of quiz
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Post by rincew1nd on Jul 6, 2015 21:02:39 GMT
We have had many discussions about being allowed to film on stations. The guidance for National Rail stations is here; the spirit of it is useful to consider. Our own guidelines are here. P.S. The ID of the Train Captain is irrelevant, unless you wish to raise it directly with TfL. |
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Post by spsmiler on Jul 16, 2015 21:40:04 GMT
I've had someone contact me privately via my email inbox and point out that the DLR really is a law unto itself and according to them anyone at a station for longer than 10 minutes IS deemed to be filming commercially.
This seems very visitor unfriendly and would make me think twice about speaking up if I saw something untoward - because they might turn round and throw the book at me for being at a station for too long.
In addition, there is a rule against filming in the rush hour. This is a very different issue, and quite understandable.
Simon
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
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Post by North End on Jul 16, 2015 23:02:20 GMT
I've had someone contact me privately via my email inbox and point out that the DLR really is a law unto itself and according to them anyone at a station for longer than 10 minutes IS deemed to be filming commercially. This seems very visitor unfriendly and would make me think twice about speaking up if I saw something untoward - because they might turn round and throw the book at me for being at a station for too long. In addition, there is a rule against filming in the rush hour. This is a very different issue, and quite understandable. Simon I'm dubious, however if true it's a silly policy as how do they expect to enforce this when virtually all their stations are unstaffed? Likewise, a bit pointless for the PSA to interfere, when it's obvious there's nothing they can do once their train departs. I don't think BTP would be impressed being called for a dispute over someone taking photos, nor would it be a good use of their time. I'd be tempted to complain to DLR and see what they have to say on the matter. |
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Post by spsmiler on Jul 18, 2015 20:44:20 GMT
Well of course the DLR makes extensive use of CCTV cameras and I would not be surprised if some of these are not connected to intelligent computers running activity detection software (as seen on TV, some years ago). Also shown on the same TV programme were trials with facial recognition softwares, although I am not sure how well this works at present. (I feel sure that this was the BBC TV One Show attempting to show how CCTV is making life "safer" for people).
The PSA could always advise the control centre - I've seen this done when there was someone without a valid ticket travelling who started thumping the inside of the train when asked to leave and buy a ticket before returning. The fare dodger only left the train when the control centre made a PA announcement at the station about the CCTV cameras recording his actions and BTP having been summoned. But of course that was a fares dodging / vandalism event which is much more serious than a transport enthusiast using a small hand-held camera.
I'll only complain to the DLR as a matter of last resort, I am not looking for trouble and do not wish to risk stirring up a hornets nest in case they decide to try to enforce this ruling with enthusiasm.
Simon
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class411
Operations: Normal
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Post by class411 on Jul 19, 2015 8:18:45 GMT
You would think that, if they have any objection to filming/photography, there would at least be some sign-age to say so.
At art exhibitions where photography is not allowed it is always very clearly stated.
If you don't want people to do something that is usually allowed in public spaces (even if technically your location may not be a public space), it is pretty silly not to tell people.
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Post by MoreToJack on Jul 19, 2015 18:50:33 GMT
I am not looking for trouble Considering how many issues you seem to have on numerous systems (Far more than most, it would seem) I do wonder how true this is... |
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Post by spsmiler on Jul 19, 2015 23:44:49 GMT
One instance which I should have made a fuss about was what happened when filming the front window view from Stratford International to Stratford Regional.
Half way through the sharply curved tunnel section, in a near empty train (so no-one else was visible in the view) a train captain / PSA came up from behind me and tapped me on the shoulder, saying that what I was doing was not allowed. That is one journey I am yet to re-film.
No its not just me, although maybe I am more vocal than most others. In a different thread here at DD there is an account by Snoggle about what happened when he used his camera to film the outside of an Underground station and how even showing a PCSO his ID papers proving that he was a TfL employee was insufficient to convince the PCSO that he was not a potential terrorist...
Tourists are unlikely to speak up in a way which we here will get to hear - but they will tell their friends about their bad experience, and maybe even suggest that instead of coming to London these friends take their cameras to places where there is less paranioa. Hmm, bad PR for London and its transports in general.
Simon
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Post by crusty54 on Jul 20, 2015 11:29:44 GMT
Proximity to the Olympic Park could make it a terror target so not unreasonable to ask you not to film.
Such things as escape stairs might be used for an attack.
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Post by longhedge on Jul 20, 2015 12:29:49 GMT
crusty54I would have felt virtually all views `from trains` are in the public domain. Try You tube cab rides etc. For example, the DLR has authorised - for a fee I am sure - for all their lines to be filmed from the Cab and the two Blu rays are available from Videoscene (Train Crazy) at Blackpool, gettable on Amazon. The covered over track to Stratford is well visible. My take, for what it is worth, it that the person in question has had a `bad` day - not all passengers are polite, and vents his grief on a poor rail enthusiast. Last year, I was filming from the front, approaching the old Pudding Mill station, and the Train Captain joined me for chat as I was filming. No problem. I often take pictures for London Railway Record of station work and I have never had a problem. I even took several pictures of the new ticket office at Clapham Junction, with three security staff around, and again no problem. If it was forbidden, I would have been escorted off the premises. Unfortunately in life, there is always one person who spoils it.
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Post by John Tuthill on Jul 20, 2015 12:42:12 GMT
crusty54I would have felt virtually all views `from trains` are in the public domain. Try You tube cab rides etc. For example, the DLR has authorised - for a fee I am sure - for all their lines to be filmed from the Cab and the two Blu rays are available from Videoscene (Train Crazy) at Blackpool, gettable on Amazon. The covered over track to Stratford is well visible. My take, for what it is worth, it that the person in question has had a `bad` day - not all passengers are polite, and vents his grief on a poor rail enthusiast. Last year, I was filming from the front, approaching the old Pudding Mill station, and the Train Captain joined me for chat as I was filming. No problem. I often take pictures for London Railway Record of station work and I have never had a problem. I even took several pictures of the new ticket office at Clapham Junction, with three security staff around, and again no problem. If it was forbidden, I would have been escorted off the premises. Unfortunately in life, there is always one person who spoils it. "I have a highviz, I have a clip board, my IQ is less than my shoe size-I HAVE POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"(to be pitied)  |
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