Police make tourist delete photos of buses
Posted: 16 Apr 2009, 09:59
In today's Guardian letters page:
Since when has it been forbidden to take photos of "anything in conjunction with transport"? I missed that bill.
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009 ... sts-police)During a recent visit to London I had a nasty incident, which killed interest in any further trips to this city. As I was taking pictures of double-decker buses with my son, we were approached by two policemen. First, we were told that it is forbidden to take pictures of anything in conjunction with transport. Then our names, passport numbers and London hotel address were noted. After that we were forced to delete all pictures that included any transport - even pictures of the new underground station in Vauxhall, which is a modern sculpture! These deletions were not only enforced destruction of private property, but an infringement of our privacy.
I understand the need for some sensitivity in an era of terrorism, but isn't it naive to think terrorism can be prevented by terrorising tourists?
Since when has it been forbidden to take photos of "anything in conjunction with transport"? I missed that bill.