Train-spotting in the UK.

[david1943]

I just popped Train-spotting into Google to look and see what was going on back home, I found a 2003 report that mentioned that taking pictures of trains or jotting down the numbers could lead to a 1,000 Pound fine.

Did this realy happen?, was anyone ever fined?, and it seems the law must have been changed because there seems to be plenty of modern train pictures in magazines and on websites such as this.

I understand that things have changed since terrorism but just how much?, we in Oz have trouble photographing trains at our Dockyards and if caught Security Officers will make the photographer delete the pictures from his camera, we used to be able to get close to ships and get some great pictures but now everything has been fenced off.

David.

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by david1943

I just popped Train-spotting into Google to look and see what was going on back home, I found a 2003 report that mentioned that taking pictures of trains or jotting down the numbers could lead to a 1,000 Pound fine..........................

Don't worry David we haven't gone completely barmy in the old country yet.
There have been instances of railfans being stopped and questioned by over-enthusiastic security staff and even transport police but fortunately they are still few and far between. One such incident involving a forum member is mentioned in this thread :- http://www.railwayforum.net/showthread.php?t=2409
Guidelines have been issued for enthusiasts visiting stations http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/guidelines_for_rail_enthusiasts.html and if these are followed by all concerned then there shouldn't be a problem.

[david1943]

Thanks for the reply John, I checked out both links and was interested to find the regulations for UK spotters and photographers are pretty much the same as the Aussie regs, sadly like in the story at Hull some staff dont care to much for train spotters, pretty much like here where spotters are called Gunzels

David.

[Bubblewrap]

Known as "Gricers" here.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gricer

[Flying Pig]

Originally Posted by david1943

some staff dont care to much for train spotters

Some do, some don't. Whenever I pull onto a platform where there's an uncharacteristic gathering of spotters with SLRs and handycams I'll usually drop my side window and have a chat, because it usually means that there's a rare type of loco about to go past.

And anyway, train driving is such a solitary job that it's nice to talk to other human beings occasionally.

[martin adamson]

Originally Posted by david1943

I just popped Train-spotting into Google to look and see what was going on back home, I found a 2003 report that mentioned that taking pictures of trains or jotting down the numbers could lead to a 1,000 Pound fine.

Hi David,

Funny you should mention this as I remember reading some major articles in 'The Railway Magazine' during 2003 (the first time I had really read such issues regarding ehtusiasm with the industry) that were about the threat to railfans, it looked at some newspapers that were saying how trainspotting would be banned due to terrorism issues. Apparently at the time Virgin Trains made a statement saying that railfans would still be welcomed at their staffed stations (and to the present day I have to say they were right from my experiences).

[tranquil]

has anyone any info on the location of 09016?

[62440]

Hello Tranquil and welcome to the forum.

If you check out http://www.wnxx.com under "lists" it shows 09 016 at St.Blazey as of 05/12/09. I don't know if this is still the case or not.

Hope this helps.

Regards, 62440.

[Pesmo]

Having said the above I would think very carefully before filming around rail terminals that deal with fuels or miltary vehicles. I have seen various briefing notes in recent months that these are of particular close interest at the moment. People have had their collars felt who were filming in those areas. Some of the important yards have hidden passive detection systems to identify intruders. A chap last year was arrested for photographing petrol tankers and he had real trouble proving that he was innocent.

[chiko]

I used to work as a train guard and a platform staff in one of the busiest london train stations and whenever, i saw trainspotters, i just allowed them to do their own thing. Our manager advised us against such things but hey, since i was one myself, i couldn't help it. Lol