Not sure how many photographers are aware of the “The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997”. In order to run photographic courses in London’s Royal Parks and Open Spaces, we needed to negotiate a license from the Secretary of State, which took a little while to do. We also had to increase our public liability from £2,000,000 to £5,000,000 to run the courses.
What may be less clear is this regulation also covers portrait, wedding, family shoots etc., etc., and the trouble with photography is you provide all the evidence necessary for your own prosecution.
The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997
Unless the Secretary of State’s written permission has first been obtained, no person using a Park shall—
(18) take photographs of still or moving subjects for the purpose of or in connection with a business, trade, profession or employment or any activity carried on by a body of persons whether corporate or unincorporate;
SCHEDULE 1
PARKS, GARDENS, RECREATION GROUNDS, OPEN SPACES AND OTHER LAND TO WHICH THE REGULATIONS APPLY
1. Abingdon Street Garden, being the garden constructed on the sites of properties formerly known as 17-28 (both inclusive) Abingdon Street, London SW1, the garden surrounding the adjoining Jewel Tower, and the lawn surrounding the King George V Memorial;
2. Brompton Cemetery;
3. Bushy Park;
4. The Longford River and those parts of its banks which are for the time being under the control or management of the Secretary of State;
5. Greenwich Park, being those parts of the Park which are for the time being under the control or management of the Secretary of State;
6. Grosvenor Square Garden;
7. Hampton Court Gardens;
8. Hampton Court Green;
9. Hampton Court Park;
10. Hyde Park;
11. Kensington Gardens;
12. The Natural History Museum Gardens;
13. Parliament Square Gardens;
14. Primrose Hill;
15. The Regent’s Park;
16. Richmond Park;
17. St. James’s and The Green Parks;
18. Tower Gardens;
19. Trafalgar Square, being that part of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster which is for the time being under the control or management of the Secretary of State;
20. Victoria Tower Gardens.
