I don't often write about political matters, in fact I don't think I have ever
done so before but I think this is important. There is a proposed bylaw to make
the taking of any photograph for any business purpose in Parliament Square or
Trafalgar Square in London illegal unless you have written permission of the
Mayor. This will not only seriously curtail the freedom of the press to make
images of anything that happens in these two areas, be it riots or acts of
kindness, but it will also stop stock photographers making legitimate images of
iconic London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the National gallery
etc.
It is a long held freedom in this country, and most other 'democratic'
countries to make images whilst on public land, and this is a serious
infringement of that right. It will aslo stop the legitimate freedom of the
press to report incidents such as any protest camp, political rally etc. etc.
I have held the belief for the whole of my life that I live in a free country -
obviously I have been wrong!
You can read a pdf of the proposed bylaw for Trafalgar Square at
http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Trafalgar%20Square%20Byelaws%202012%20signed%2025Jan12.pdf
and I would draw your attention to Byelaw 5(1)℗.
Gerry
Gerry Walden LRPS
+44 (0)23 8046 3076 (Office)
+44 (0)797 287 7932 (Mobile)
Web: www.gwpics.com
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