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Article: Photography banned at train stations

Started by ozbob, April 17, 2008, 13:09:08 PM

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ozbob

From Courier Mail click here!

Photography banned at train stations

Quote
Photography banned at train stations
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Darren Cartwright

April 17, 2008 11:22am

TRAINSPOTTERS and tourists could be forcibly removed from train stations if they take photographs of "transport infrastructure" because Queensland Rail guidelines may deem it an act of terrorism.
The guidelines, which were updated last September, state members of the public must identify themselves to rail staff before they start taking photographs of trains, platforms and, even Go Card machines.

    Audio: QR explains the no-picture policy to Spencer Howson  External Link

QR's acting Passenger Services Executive General Manager Andy Taylor said a common sense approach to each situation was being adopted by station staff, but the guidelines were because of the threat of terrorism.

"We've had people take photos of luggage lockers and that worries me," Taylor told The Courier-Mail online.

"This is really about transport infrastructure and a Go Card machine is transport infrastructure.

"It comes down common sense and what the scene is.

"If you have a family with little kids at the train station taking photographs you would feel a little bit easier than one man with a professional looking camera taking photos."

Under QR's guidelines, no photographs at all are to be taken during peak periods or at busy train stations.

And anyone using a camera, should refrain from wearing a safety vests or wearing red, yellow or green near signals.

Taylor said that QR would revisit their guidelines later this year.

Yesterday, QR staff at Toowong station forced ABC breakfast host Spencer Howson to delete several images, which included one of a Go Card machine, on his digital camera or he risked being fined.

"This afternoon, there were no fewer than seven ticket inspectors. The bloke inside the ticket box said they were 'in training'. Fair enough, I thought," Spencer wrote on his ABC blog.

"I'd love to show you the photo I took, but one particularly insistent ticket inspector forced me to delete the pic from my camera.

"If not, he said, he would issue me with an on-the-spot fine under the anti-terrorism act!"

Spencer spoke with Taylor this morning on ABC radio (listen here), who said the situation may have played out differently had the radio jock asked first, and then started shooting.

I wouldn't be concerned photographers. Common sense and operate with respect to QR's Photographic Policy --> here!

Spencer Howson's blog on the story can be found --> here!
Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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ozbob

Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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stephenk

Quote:"If not, he said, he would issue me with an on-the-spot fine under the anti-terrorism act!"

I don't quite think that transit officers have the power to fine people under the prevention of terrorism act!
Evening peak service to Enoggera* 2007 - 7tph
Evening peak service to Enoggera* 2010 - 4tph
* departures from Central between 16:30 and 17:30.

ozbob

This should make everyone breathe a little easier ...

Channel 10 News item Spencer Howson and Andy Taylor

--> http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2008/04/spencers-off-th.html

:)

Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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Mozz

Poor Spencer - I have yet to see myself or even hear of any transit officers issuing tickets for anything beyond travelling without a ticket and he cops it for taking a photo.

Easting food, drinking, taking push bikes in peak hour, feet on seats, vandalism of trains, spraying softdrink around the inside of a train carriage, playing loud music from an electronic device - nope haven't seen or heard of anyone getting a ticket for any of these things.

Derwan

My housemate received a fine for putting his feet on the seat.
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