A word of warning to all!
I had a day out spotting and photographing at a busy station today. It ended abruptly after an encounter with the BTP.
I had been at the end of the platform, level with the Passengers must not cross the line sign, when it started raining. There was a signal a foot beyond this sign (which provided shelter from the rain) and I therefore moved forward. It was probably three or four feet from the start of the ramp decline. I had probably been there ¼ hour.
I was then approached by two BTP. They explained that they had been summoned to visit me by a member of the TOC staff as two members of staff had seen where I was standing and this was trespassing. Also a train driver had expressed concern as to how close to the track I had been.
I kept calm, explained that I was sorry if I had upset anyone, and I was undertaking my hobby in accordance with the Nat Rail guidelines (I had told the platform staff I was there) I also pointed out that no member of staff had approached me to move
They said that they were fully aware that I could take pictures, and it was not that that was the issue. It was the issue as to where I was standing. I again apologised and promised not to stand there again.
This was when they turned nasty If you admit you were standing beyond the Passenger must not cross the line sign then I WAS trespassing these signs mark the end of the platform. I explained that it DID not say Passengers must not cross THIS line.
At this point they said there was only one thing they would issue a penalty ticket of £50 the Offence Trespassing across the lines of the Railway. I said that was rubbish, I had not crossed any lines etc etc.
They then asked me for id, and used this to complete the form, and gave it to me.
They also told me Stay on this station as long as you like, enjoy your day out, but do not cross those signs again
So in conclusion, be careful I feel a bit silly as I accept perhaps I moved further to the edge then I should have been, but also helpless as I have ended up with a penalty ticket which I feel unjustified. But n the other hand I cannot face appealing against and risking loosing!
I had a day out spotting and photographing at a busy station today. It ended abruptly after an encounter with the BTP.
I had been at the end of the platform, level with the Passengers must not cross the line sign, when it started raining. There was a signal a foot beyond this sign (which provided shelter from the rain) and I therefore moved forward. It was probably three or four feet from the start of the ramp decline. I had probably been there ¼ hour.
I was then approached by two BTP. They explained that they had been summoned to visit me by a member of the TOC staff as two members of staff had seen where I was standing and this was trespassing. Also a train driver had expressed concern as to how close to the track I had been.
I kept calm, explained that I was sorry if I had upset anyone, and I was undertaking my hobby in accordance with the Nat Rail guidelines (I had told the platform staff I was there) I also pointed out that no member of staff had approached me to move
They said that they were fully aware that I could take pictures, and it was not that that was the issue. It was the issue as to where I was standing. I again apologised and promised not to stand there again.
This was when they turned nasty If you admit you were standing beyond the Passenger must not cross the line sign then I WAS trespassing these signs mark the end of the platform. I explained that it DID not say Passengers must not cross THIS line.
At this point they said there was only one thing they would issue a penalty ticket of £50 the Offence Trespassing across the lines of the Railway. I said that was rubbish, I had not crossed any lines etc etc.
They then asked me for id, and used this to complete the form, and gave it to me.
They also told me Stay on this station as long as you like, enjoy your day out, but do not cross those signs again
So in conclusion, be careful I feel a bit silly as I accept perhaps I moved further to the edge then I should have been, but also helpless as I have ended up with a penalty ticket which I feel unjustified. But n the other hand I cannot face appealing against and risking loosing!