Not too sure but filming children..ie under 16 is a no no.

Broadly speaking, photographers have the right to take pictures in any public place in the UK. However, there has been a growing trend in recent years for the police to crack down on photographers (usually in very innocent situations), often using things such as the anti-terrorism legislation to justify their actions. Photographers trying to take pictures in the centre of London have become a major target.


In the case described in the OP, it would have suited the police for the photographer to go about his (perfectly legitimate) business, so they defended his right to do so, They may well have had a different attitude if, say, there was any risk of him photographing (again, perfectly legitimately) police violence...

(BTW: brisket is right about Austin Mitchell. He's been a prominent campaigner on this issue.)


This site discusses some of the current problems photographers are experiencing: http://www.urban75.org/photos/...hts-and-the-law.html

There is no law preventing the photographing of children in public places in the UK. However, the police may take an interest in someone who appears to be acting suspiciously.

The following is from the site I linked-to above:

"There is no legal restriction on photography in public places, and there is no presumption of privacy for individuals in a public place.

It is for the Chief Constable to ensure that Officers and Police Community Support Officers are acting appropriately with regards to photography in public places, and any queries regarding this should be addressed to the Chief Constable.

However decisions may be made locally to restrict photography, for example to protect children. Any questions on such local decisions should also be addressed to the force concerned."

Thanks for the information EL

It's damn shame really ,My nieces and nephews are now all in their twenties,we didn't think twice about taking photos of them in the bath, running around in the garden in the scud etc .Just innocent kids.However  they at the time   were in  a different place , just that , photos, for the family no  face book,etc.

It is a shame katty.
You use the word "innocence".  It's sad that too often 'suspicion' has taken over from innocence. Even lovely family moments can be tarnished by connotations.

That is the shame Brisket,our society now implies  no matter what we do that,,perhaps in some cases things ain't right...
However I hope and pray that most things are....that sounds trite!

No katty....it doesn't sound trite at all.
It sounds heartfelt.

Gawd I found 40 quid on the floor last week, and I have been having nightmares that someone was filming me, I did the honourable thing though and split it 50/50 with me mate

Ah Lokes that is ok!  ...I think!

Funny enough I've been wondering about this myself lately.


After many years I have began to enjoy art (mostly painting again and although I'm no photographer it would be good to be able to take photographs of possible subjects which could then be interpreted in paint (if that makes sense ?)


But... It did cross my mind in these paranoid times if it could be more hassle than it's worth.

On a similiar theme when you try to photograph playschool or school events like Christmas plays etc they always asked if anyone had any objections to their child being filmed - I think many parents used camcorders. If one parent objected noone could film or take photos. This was a few years ago and I have a feeling noone is allowed now - but I may be wrong.

I think its down to school, i'm allowed to take pics and video of school performances at my kids primary school.

This is a link to the Metropolitan Police's advice on photography in public places. Although there is no law against this, The Terorism Act 2000 has sections dealing with when the police can search individuals and their property, and when they can seize material, but they are only supposed to to this when needed.

We are allowed to film performances, but no flash photography during the performance. They allow you to take photos afterwards.

My sons drama group don't allow us to film or photograph, that's not to "protect" the kids though, it's so the greedy buggers make you buy their films and pics!