The trial, under the supervision of chief constable Craig Mackey from Cumbria Police on behalf of the Metropolitan Police commissioner, comes after recommendations made by the Metropolitan Police Authority and wide consultation with organisations such as the Muslim Safety Forum, Diversity Directorate, Liberty, British Transport Police, City of London Police, Community Forum Chair, MPA S&S monitoring network, Specialist Operations, Territorial Policing (front line officers and staff) and other subject matter experts.

According to the MPA, the consultation showed that stop-and-search powers were seen 'as controversial and [had] the potential to have a negative impact, particularly on minority communities.'

The trial, which starts this month in Southwark, Brent, Newham and Tower Hamlets, will see officers use Section 43 of the Terrorism Act - instead of the more controversial Section 44 - to stop and search individuals. Under Section 43, an officer is required to have reasonable suspicion that a person may be engaging in a terrorist related offence.

However, Section 44, which does not necessitate reasonable suspicion, will still apply across various London sites that are 'of such an iconic nature and/or key strategic importance'.

The MPA adds that it recognises 'that there has been community concerns about [the use of Section 44] in the past. The refinement of the use of this power could therefore have a positive impact. As part of the ongoing review all aspects of community impact will be monitored and evaluated.'

Photographers are hoping that the refinement will held reduce the number of cases where they have been stopped from taking pictures in public places.