We’ve had two recent threads on the subject of lineside passes being discontinued. Now the SVR has gone one step further and also imposed a ban on future privately-run photographic charters. In an interview General Manager Helen Smith said “the income we receive from lineside passes and privately-run photo charters is insignificant when compared to the potential risk these activities naturally contain.” She goes on to say “only a handful of heritage railways currently do so (i.e. allow these ‘high-risk activities’ to continue), and I expect that soon there will be none.” The interview was reported in the April 15th issue of "Heritage Railway" magazine.
Helen Smith alleges that railway photography is “high risk” without quoting any recent photography-related incidents. She does mention two falls from height, neither of which involved a photographer. The use of a trained lookout accompanying photo charters would surely be a remedy and, if the cost of the charter goes up as a result, this is unlikely to be a cause for complaint.
Helen Smith alleges that railway photography is “high risk” without quoting any recent photography-related incidents. She does mention two falls from height, neither of which involved a photographer. The use of a trained lookout accompanying photo charters would surely be a remedy and, if the cost of the charter goes up as a result, this is unlikely to be a cause for complaint.
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