Are Platform tickets still needed, and sold?

[eMeS]

I do some occasional videoing around the Milton Keynes - Bedford - Sandy areas, and mostly from vantage points outside NR's boundaries. This is normally using a semi-pro video camera on a tripod.

Occasionally using the same equipment, I'd like to video from a platform end - i.e. out of the way of passengers.

MKC is barriered and Sandy has had barriers installed over the last few years.
Do I now need a Platform ticket if I'm videoing, safely and behind the yellow stripe ?

Many thanks

 

[A Challenge]

One thing to note is that you may need to sign in at the station (probably only at larger stations such as MKC, I doubt you would at Sandy), like I was at Nottingham over the summer, having been filming just by the gateline as we went through to get our train. We did sign in (and out), as we had a bit of a wait for our train and thought we may do some more filming, but in that time did no filming, the next bit of filming was on the train. I am unaware of the situation with platform tickets, given I had a ticket anyway as I was going on the train.

 

[eMeS]

One thing to note is that you may need to sign in at the station (probably only at larger stations such as MKC, I doubt you would at Sandy),....

Thanks for your reply. I've now found the "official" note on NR's website which states their position.

 

[DarloRich]

I suspect your tripod would be rightly frowned upon

 

[tom73]

I believe the tripod would cause doubt about whether you were a professional (doing it for a living) or simply an extra keen enthusiast.

 

[ComUtoR]

Whats the issue with a tripod ? I see them all over the place.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

In my experience, I have been sold a platform ticket at some stations and just been waved through at others. And sometimes I have had to sign in wheras at other times, again, I've just been let through

I never use a tripod; although I don't do video but they can pose a safety risk; especially in areas where trains pass through at high speed and thus, staff get jumpy and disallow access.

Of course, I have encountered just as many sensible people with tripods as stupid people with no regard to themselves or others

 

[Llanigraham]

Use a monopod instead of a tripod and that will remove one concern.

 

[eMeS]

I believe the tripod would cause doubt about whether you were a professional (doing it for a living) or simply an extra keen enthusiast.

If I was a "professional", I'd have an assistant to carry my (very heavy, double legged*) tripod! *As seen on some lead-ins to BBC News.

 

[pieguyrob]

I have bought platform tickets at both Crewe and Leeds, they cost 10p,and are valid for an hour.

At London Bridge you have to sign in with security, just to do spotting, I don't know their stand on photography or filming.

 

[Esker-pades]

Usually, I spot at stations where I hold a valid ticket to travel (I just turn up 1-2 hours early).

If not, or if I'm travelling on my Oyster Card, I speak to station staff. Most of the time, they let me through. I have only once been sold a 10p platform ticket.