Some postings ago, there was a post regarding a petition on the Government
website against proposed restrictions on photography outdoors. Being a keen
walker and lots of outdoor photography, I e-signed. Below is the contents
of an email I received yesterday from '10 Downing Street' .......... the
system works!
"E-Petition: response from the Government
Thank you for signing the petition on the Downing Street website calling for
the Prime Minister to stop proposed restrictions on photography in public
places.
This petition has already attracted over 60,000 signatures from people who
obviously share your concern. Not surprisingly, the idea that the Government
might be poised to restrict your ability to take photos has caused some
puzzlement and even alarm.
We have therefore decided to respond to this petition before its closing
date of August, in order to reassure people.
The Government appreciates that millions of people in this country enjoy
photography. So we have checked carefully to see if any Government
department was considering any proposal that might possibly lead to the sort
of restrictions suggested by this petition. We have been assured this is not
the case.
There may be cases where individual schools or other bodies believe it is
necessary to have some restrictions on photography, for instance to protect
children, but that would be a matter for local decisions.
In fact, Simon Taylor, who started the petition, has since made clear that
he was not really referring to Government action or legislation. His main
concern appears to be that photographic societies and other organisations
may introduce voluntary ID cards for members to help them explain why they
are taking photographs. Again, any such scheme would not involve the
Government.
We hope this re-assures you and clears up the confusion."
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills, summiting
still brings the same excitement!'