Great Central Railway brings in new strict policy for photographers

The Great Central Railway is to introduce a strict policy for lineside photographers. Pass holders have been sent the following email, copied below, outlining the changes.

Email from Great Central Railway to photographers:

Once implemented, all lineside photographers:

•Will need to be authorised and issued with a permit by GCR in order to be “on or near the line”.

•Can only access the lineside if accompanied by a line observer. The line observer is not permitted to take photographs or undertake any work while acting in that role. This can be another photographer acting as an observer.

Each permit holder will be issued with a numbered HV tabard (corresponding to their permit number) and a HV bump cap which are the property of the GCR and must be work whenever they are on or near the line.

A limited number of permits will be issued and an administration fee will be charged for each one, that covers the PPE and medical examinations.

Each permit will be valid for 12 months and expire on its anniversary.

All lineside photographers:

•Must meet the medical requirements for a safety critical member of staff.

•Must wear, as a minimum, a HV tabard, bump cap and safety footwear.

*Must hold a valid personal safety awareness certificate and the person acting as line observer must be a qualified line observer.

Lineside photography will be strictly prohibited during all periods of high speed running and all photographers must be clear of the line an hour before dusk.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in withdrawal of their permit.

In order to gauge the training requirements for personal safety awareness and line observer courses, could you please advise myself and Paul Mayo if you will be applying for a lineside photography permit when this is introduced.

Thank you

Devon Johnson

Interim Head of Safety

The response from the Great Central Railway, when approached by Chime Whistle Publishing, was:

“Following a comprehensive review and ongoing risk assessments of our operations, we have updated our policy regarding lineside access for photographers. These changes include the requirement for a track observer to accompany photographers, ensuring enhanced oversight and adherence to best safety practices.”

“We are actively consulting with photographers on the proposed change which reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and responsible management across the railway. We continue to welcome rail enthusiasts and photographers to enjoy our heritage line safely and respectfully.”

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