Can security restrict photography at Birmingham New Street Station and Grand Central?
Asked 11/13/2016
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2 answers
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I was asked to stop photographing at Birmingham New Street while setting up a camera and tripod on the upper level above the station. Security said I needed permission or a photography pass for “professional” photography, while phones and small cameras were allowed.
My understanding is that Network Rail generally allows photography in stations, but the upper level is part of Grand Central, the shopping centre above the station. Network Rail later replied that they allow photography in the station concourse as long as you are not causing an obstruction, but they do not control photography rules on Grand Central property.
Can security legally restrict photography there, and does it depend on whether you are in the station concourse or the shopping-centre level?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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The general position under UK law (with very few exceptions around things like military installations) is that you can take any photos you like if you are on public property - even if the photos are of things on private property (this is how paparazzi photos are legal). The inverse is also true: if you are on private property, then you are entering with permission of the owner, and they can set whatever conditions they like for your entry, including restrictions on what and how you may photograph things, even if you are taking photos of things outside that private property. Both the railway station and the shopping centre are private property (it doesn't matter that the public are generally free to enter), so yes, absolutely they can restrict you from taking photos of the station if you are in the Bullring.
Originally by user11371. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11371
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. In the UK, photography is generally allowed from public property, but both railway stations and shopping centres are usually private property open to the public. On private property, the owner or operator can set conditions of entry, including restricting photography, tripods, or what they consider professional equipment.
Based on the replies you received, Network Rail permits photography in the station concourse provided you are not obstructing people, and they may want advance notice for tripods or other larger gear. However, the upper level you were using is part of Grand Central, not the station area controlled by Network Rail, so its management can enforce its own photography policy.
So the answer depends on where you are standing:
- station concourse: generally allowed under Network Rail’s rules
- Grand Central shopping-centre level: subject to the shopping centre’s own restrictions
Security can therefore stop you if you are on the shopping-centre level, or if your setup is obstructive even within the station.
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