Public Roads

[Aikidoamigo]

A quick question, but maybe the answer is not so straight forward....

Can I launch my M2P from a ‘safe spot’ on a public road, so a lay-by or passing place for example (out of town)?

Often wonder when I drive around and we are surrounded by private land, fields etc. If I pull over to launch safely is that OK?

If it is a ‘public place’ and safe to do so under guidelines then I’m thinking it should be OK

How about Byways then, which are public rights of way and passage suitable for motorised vehicles in many cases. These quite often are through land used / owned by farmer who have to allow travel as it is part of their obligations.

Thinking aloud, wondered if anyone knows for sure ??

 

[Aikidoamigo]

Just found this, seems to answer my question about Byways in that you cannot ‘photograph or film’ without permission ?.... although it does mention that as ‘commercial activity’ so perhaps personal use photo is OK after-all

Open access land: management, rights and responsibilities

As a land owner or manager, find out about your responsibilities and how to manage public access.

www.gov.uk

 

[runeOfRune]

I'm not British, but this seems to be about open access land, that is, private property that's not fenced off, like this or this. So I don't think this is applicable to streets or parks, given the number of photos and videos I've seen taken in those.

Also check your local airspace laws, you still may be able to fly over private property since the airspace is generally public and not "private land", and you should also be able to take photos and videos of private property that's a persistent element of the landscape as long as it's just background and you're not actively spying on people. Think about it, Google didn't have to get a license from literally every UK citizen to make Street View.

A Summary of Photography Laws UK

Inspired by a video that I saw the other day, I thought it was about time that I helped you to understand your rights when it comes to photography. Most people probably aren't aware of their exact rights, and every day it's growing more and more important to know what you can and can not do.

expertphotography.com

 

[Aikidoamigo]

Agreed.

I wonder about the aspect of launching, if you have access to walk across then I have to think public access should mean I’m OK to launch from the same area I’m allowed to walk on.

Certainly photography from the minimum distances should not be disputed, it’s a question more about where I can launch the drone from, hence the question regarding public roadways.

Thanks for your input ?

 

[Aikidoamigo]

Nothing further on this as yet?

 

[WithTheBirds]

Nothing further on this as yet?

Apparently not...

 

[Aikidoamigo]

Lol

 

[WithTheBirds]

Lol

You didn’t avail yourself of the opportunity to make some local enquiries in the last 6+ months?

I would be curious to learn what the answer might be.

 

[Aikidoamigo]

My question wasn’t really a local one...
Moreover a general question about ‘public areas’ does this inline public roads used by traffic etc. anywhere in the country

 

[paul242]

Surely if you follow the guidelines regarding keeping away from people, buildings and NFZ's, you should be good.

 

[Aikidoamigo]

That’s my thinking too

 

[bushie]

Depends what country/state/local authority you are in. I know in West Australia we are allowed to launch recover in the area controlled by Main Roads Dept.