Brindley Place, Birmingham

[markp]

Thought I'd stop off after my language class this evening and take a few photos now all the Xmas lights are up around Birmingham.

Wandering around Brindley Place with my tripod, and snapping away happily when two security guards come up to me and ask me if I have permission to use my tripod.
I asked if they were having a laugh, but apparently I have to have permission to use a tripod - but couldn't answer why. Taking photos was fine, just not with a tripod. So with that, I packed my stuff up and headed off home! (Just as well - the heavens opened shortly after)

Don't suppose anyone else has had such an experience around Broad Street and Brindley Place in Brum? Really confused!

 

[RobbieW]

This sounds like the problems the Reading Guys had..... what I don't understand is you can take a similar pic without a tripod - so whats the difference?

 

[CT]

Tripods are considered an obstruction and a health and safety issue in many places now.... honest.

Since Brindley Place is a public thoroughfare - not a private shopping mall, I doubt the security guards had any real authority in that situation though.

 

[Marcel]

If I was sure I was on public property I would have asked who they worked for and on what authority they were acting.

 

[brummie]

Have a read of this:
http://www.civictrust.org.uk/evening/Birmingham - Brindleyplace.pdf

owned and run by 'Argent' apperently

 

[CT]

Blimey! That's it then - their ball - their game. :shrug:

 

[markp]

Just a bunch of miserable so-and-so's then! Not sure if they're concerned about people tripping over tripod legs or what though!
Thanks for the info, maybe I'll drop them an email.

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Get a permit and you should be fine. I think the problem is that if someone was to trip over your tripod, or if you caused an obstruction they would be held partically responsible. Its the same on a public highway though. The police can move you on for "causing on obstruction" for putting up a tripod anywhere. Aslong as you get permission before hand you are generally ok though.

 

[CT]

Just a bunch of miserable so-and-so's then! Not sure if they're concerned about people tripping over tripod legs or what though!

That's basically it I think, and obstructing people in confined areas. You can take interior shots in Lichfield Cathedral all day... but no flash... for a small fee. The last time I went the verger who takes yer money told me "No tripods allowed" There were only about three other people in the building at the time, so I erected my tripod keeping it very erect with a small footprint, to show how little room I'd be taking up, and he relented, so sometimes you can reason and negotiate.