Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Monday, 11 May 2009.

Police: Photography

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will issue new guidance to the Metropolitan Police regarding the photographing of public transport and public transport facilities in light of the case of Austrian tourist Mr Klaus Matzka.

Answer: The UK's counterterrorism laws do not prohibit photography in public places, including the photographing of transport and transport facilities. We are aware that concerns have been raised that police officers may be using the stop-and-search powers at Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to stop members of the public from taking photographs. The power cannot be used for that purpose and the revised operational guidance on the use of Section 44 which was issued by the National Policing Improvement Agency in November 2008 makes it clear that Section 44 should not be used to stop people taking photographs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3015; 710 c166-7WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Crime prevention Police Powers Public transport Photography Terrorism
Legislation: Terrorism Act 2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk