Rail staffers continue to use "anti-terrorism" powers they don't have

South Eastern allow photography

It's very stupid. Look at FAQ #21 on the company's own website: http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/faqs/stations/

"As a general rule members of the public are free to take photos of our trains and the stations we manage and are welcome to do so. If any of our employees are likely to feature in your pictures we'd appreciate you asking for their permission whenever possible.

We ask that photographers only go onto areas that are open to the general public and don't cause an obstruction to passengers or staff. And ideally we ask that photographers taking more than just a few 'snapshots' seek permission from us prior to taking photos, however we realise this is not always possible in practice.

We must also stress that flash photography must not to be used as this can be a distraction for train drivers.

Our local station staff occasionally may ask photographers not to take pictures and move to another part of the station or leave the station. We'll always explain why this is necessary. And if this does happen please understand that our staff have many things to consider including safety and security of all passengers and so will use their judgement in this regard.

Permission should be sought for any photographs taken of our trains and property for publication purposes. Enthusiast photographers can take photographs at stations for private purposes, provided they are not sold except to enthusiast magazines.

Finally along with all operators Southeastern supports the Guidelines for Rail Enthusiasts which help remind enthusiasts of their responsibilities when visiting stations."

Do some more research

"Technically, rail companies have a right to deny a photographer the right to take pictures in their stations and trains, as these are private properties."

This is not correct, please get the facts concerning the law right before printing.

In what way?

Brian, it would be helpful to the rest of us if you explained why that is incorrect.

response to Brian

Mark asks Brian to explain his comment, I may have an answer: As the stations are open to the public, despite the fact that they are private property, one does not have to pay an entrance fee, such as a stately home. Comparing the latter with a railway station, we see that, in effect, a station does not close. Therefore there is an implied right to go there at any hour of the day or night - to catch a train or meet someone off it or collect a dog (yes you could send off for a dog from magazines such as 'The Gamekeeper' at one time and collect it from the station!). I hope this is of some help.

When will we stop it!

Why do people continue to make their protests in this way. As the detention was illegal why has the blogger not instigated proceedings against the staff involved. Please do not keep whining on the internet asking for someone else to take action, I wonder if the incident happened at all!!

Legal Process

@Richard,

I've made a complaint to the BTP who are investigating and are keeping me updated. In addition I'm not only protesting via the net. Go read the articles on the site and the subsequent follow up articles.

As to your opinion as to whether the incident actually happened or not, I can confirm it happened and a quick browse through the details would confirm it.

But just in case read this carefully:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8309558.GRAVESEND__Blogger_says_he_was_treated_like_terrorist_by_station_staff/

Pay particular attention to the statement by the BTP ;-)

If it's not illegal you can do it.

Having given the public right of access, you also grant leave for them to peruse any lawful activity while on that property, that dose not interfere with the activity of the land holder or other members of the public.

I would seriously take some legal advice

I would seriously take some legal advice, they have falsely imprisoned you and assaulted you for which they have no legal powers at all, all it should have been was please stop or and leave, that's it, they could have made a common law arrest for what I don't know, but if found to be baseless the above would still apply.

brummie