The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography
I. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though it’s technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.
II. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, it’s fair game.
III. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honor that request. This includes posted signs.
IV. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.
V. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy. Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay. Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.
VI. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion:
accident & fire scenes, criminal activities
bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)
industrial facilities, Superfund sites
public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris
VII. Although “security” is often given as the reason somebody doesn’t want you to take photos, it’s rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a company’s trade secrets.
VIII. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)
IX. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.
X. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you don’t have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.
Standard issue Knob-meat, I agree. But the kid needs to learn some road sense too. Wobbles on approach to junction, indicates by pointing his arm behind him, gives the briefest of glimpses over his shoulder. Later he forces the oncoming van in the priority zone to brake unnecessarily. Bad Hombre.
Nice guy, unfortunately there are a lot of aggressive pricks on the roads looking for a fight and confrontation. Good thing is that he will one day pick on the wrong guy and come off worse. His mother must be so proud.
The cyclist's response was under duress, in relation to the threat posed. It is an undeniable fact that the driver should NOT have over-taken there - many people have DIED through such circumstance. The driver did not give the cyclist room, having over-taken - at speed - through a pinch-point. Their reference to cyclists staying literally in the gutter is absolute crap..classic victim blaming. Driver, where did you get your license? Because to be blunt, your comprehension of the Highway Code is tripe. Still think you're in the right? Try this in an area where police forces are now clamping down on abusers such as yourself. You have only yourself to blame for this. Give cyclists ROOM. DON'T over-take through pinch-points. That's YOUR obligation to follow. Simple. No matter what the cyclist says, you're driving a car. You're over-taking through a pinch-point.
To the cyclist. With people like this, don't argue. Don't use swear words if you can help it. Stay back..get off the road if you have to. But do NOT engage with them. You've seen the danger they pose, and you will lose. Furthermore swearing and shouting can be in some cases be used against you. Stay back, away from people who can't drive safely. It's NOT worth it. By all means, keep the camera rolling, but do your best to keep out of harm's way. Note: if you get off and stand on the pavement, you are a pedestrian - and let them approach you, never the other way round. Don't give people like that driver the avenue they seek. At the end of the day if you have no choice but to kick their ass then at least you've ensured you've covered yourself in court. And I'm typing this as a driver, cyclists and motorcyclist. Stay safe. Get a horn and let it do the talking. They're not worth it.
Knobhead cut me off and then became really abusive after I honked at him on the M1 J26. Should not be on the road and should take the car back to his mum!
The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography
I. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though it’s technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.
II. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, it’s fair game.
III. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honor that request. This includes posted signs.
IV. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.
V. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy. Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay. Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.
VI. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion:
accident & fire scenes, criminal activities
bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)
industrial facilities, Superfund sites
public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris
VII. Although “security” is often given as the reason somebody doesn’t want you to take photos, it’s rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a company’s trade secrets.
VIII. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)
IX. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.
X. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you don’t have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.