Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2009 16:09:15 GMT
Photos taken on London's Tube network - even tourist snapshots - may require a £34.50 permit, say Underground bosses who insist that the rules haven't changed.
Transport for London (TfL) has revamped its website in a move designed to make it easier to apply for a filming or a photography permit on the Tube.
Though TfL says London Underground will adopt a 'common sense' approach when dealing with amateur photography, a spokesman told us: 'Our position is that if you wish to take a photograph on our property you should seek permission.'
London Underground, whose stations are private property, says it receives 'thousands' of requests every year to film on the Tube.
The price of the permit (£34.50) includes VAT and allows handheld photography for up to five 'non-professionals' or students. It is valid for one month.
TfL says it will deal with each request on a 'case-by-case basis'.
But, when quizzed by Amateur Photographer, TfL did not make clear at which point a permit becomes necessary.
TfL spokeswoman Tracey O'Brien said that the permit allows London Underground to 'manage' requests for photography to ensure they do not 'interfere with the running of the Tube network'.
O'Brien added: 'Any individual or film production company wanting to film or take photographs on the Tube must seek prior permission from the London Underground (LU) Film Office.'
She added: 'We do take a common sense approach to granting permissions to film and photograph the Tube and are flexible in dealing with different requests on a case-by-case basis.
'Nonetheless, it is only right that we are ultimately able to retain control over filming and photography of the buildings and assets owned by London Underground, and the staff who work with us.'
All flash photography is banned outright at 'platform-level', added the spokeswoman.
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/photography_crackdown_on_london_underground_news_280480.html?aff=rss
Transport for London (TfL) has revamped its website in a move designed to make it easier to apply for a filming or a photography permit on the Tube.
Though TfL says London Underground will adopt a 'common sense' approach when dealing with amateur photography, a spokesman told us: 'Our position is that if you wish to take a photograph on our property you should seek permission.'
London Underground, whose stations are private property, says it receives 'thousands' of requests every year to film on the Tube.
The price of the permit (£34.50) includes VAT and allows handheld photography for up to five 'non-professionals' or students. It is valid for one month.
TfL says it will deal with each request on a 'case-by-case basis'.
But, when quizzed by Amateur Photographer, TfL did not make clear at which point a permit becomes necessary.
TfL spokeswoman Tracey O'Brien said that the permit allows London Underground to 'manage' requests for photography to ensure they do not 'interfere with the running of the Tube network'.
O'Brien added: 'Any individual or film production company wanting to film or take photographs on the Tube must seek prior permission from the London Underground (LU) Film Office.'
She added: 'We do take a common sense approach to granting permissions to film and photograph the Tube and are flexible in dealing with different requests on a case-by-case basis.
'Nonetheless, it is only right that we are ultimately able to retain control over filming and photography of the buildings and assets owned by London Underground, and the staff who work with us.'
All flash photography is banned outright at 'platform-level', added the spokeswoman.
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/photography_crackdown_on_london_underground_news_280480.html?aff=rss
