A Downing Street petition, demanding that the prime minister clarifies the law regarding photographers’ rights to take pictures in public places, is gaining support.

Photography enthusiast Adam Jones launched the online petition citing what he claims is constant harassment of photographers by ‘security guards and police officers in the name of preventing terrorism’.

In the petition, Jones wrote: ‘They seem to be operating under a different interpretation of the law to the rest of us, believing that somehow the length of your lens or size of your camera is relevant.’

Jones feels it is becoming ‘increasingly difficult’ to take photos in public places В– particularly in cities such as London В– and wants government clarification of the law regarding photography of buildings and landmarks.

The petition adds: ‘In recent years the price divide between professional and consumer equipment has blurred, and it’s quite common these days to see amateurs and hobbyists carrying around tripods, SLR cameras and a backpack full of equipment.’

So far the ‘e-petition’ has gained over 40 signatures.

According to the e-petition website, those attracting 200 signatures or more will normally be passed to officials who work for the prime minister or ‘sent to the relevant government department for a response’.

The website adds: ‘Every person who signs such a petition will receive an email detailing the government’s response to the issues raised.’

The deadline is 13 September 2008.

For details visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/photographylaw

Source: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk