Network Rail to investigate alleged threat to enthusiast photographer

An incident in which an amateur photographer was apparently threatened with arrest for pursuing his hobby at Manchester Piccadilly has attracted the attention of Network Rail Chairman Sir Peter Hendy CBE.

Responding to an allegation made on October 22 by the photographer on Twitter that he had been unfairly targeted and then aggressively treated by station staff, Hendy sent his apologies and confirmed that he was “dealing” with it.

Local staff at the Network Railmanaged station also requested additional information, so that the incident could be investigated. They wrote on social media: “We actively encourage enthusiasts to use the station.”

NR’s own guidelines clearly state that non-commercial photography by rail enthusiasts and passengers is not only permitted but

“welcomed” at stations it manages directly and those managed by other operators.

They add: “Your presence at a station can be very helpful to us as extra eyes and ears, and can have a positive security benefit.”

Rail staff are entitled to make sure photographers act safely and sensibly - for example, staying clear of platform edges and not using flash photography.

Photographers are obliged to inform station staff of their presence and may also be required to sign in at a station reception desk. If asked to move or leave a station altogether, staff should explain why this is necessary.

The law is also very clear that British Transport Police officers do not have any powers to stop members of the public taking photographs on railway premises for personal or legitimate purposes.