Trainspotting to be banned

[whole diary]

[chrisoates]

It's in the Daily Mail so it might be OTT^▸ (Open Train Times website).. 


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1162394/Trainspotters-banned-stations-170-years-security-risk.html

[Phil]

Bring back the platform ticket! I've often thought they're missing out on a potential revenue stream there.

[thetrout]

:O

It should not be allowed!!!!

I think Relex109, Devon_Metro and Grahame will have something to say about this

Outragous!

[devon_metro]

:O

It should not be allowed!!!!

I think Relex109, Devon_Metro and Grahame will have something to say about this

Outragous!

I am simply outraged that I am being singled out here 

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

lol i will have to become a covert spotter... but then will i be branded as a terrorist?

[Ollie]

Platform tickets usually allow them for about 59 minutes if I remember correctly. I don't see it being banned. But it's true that sometimes they go were they really shouldn't for the "perfect photo"

[G.Uard]

lol i will have to become a covert spotter... but then will i be branded as a terrorist?

As a grammar terrorist...possibly.

[inspector_blakey]

Well, I did it, I actually brought myself to read the Mail's diatribe. I've never seen that many cameras pointed at a 450 before. All sounds hysterical and OTT^▸ (Open Train Times website) as usual (shouldn't Gerry Doherty have better things to do, like representing his members?).

Even if spotters were "banned" (and I bet that's not going to happen), has no-one thought of the obvious? For a day's unfettered trainspotting at a gated station, buy a cheap day return to the nearest station up the line, then just happen to wait a very long time for your train.

On the subject of crazy union press releases, have a look at the following gem from the Associated Train Crew Union (ATCU): your handy cut-out-and-keep guide for breaking into drivers' cabs. Irresponsible lunacy if you ask me: a rail union really ought to know better. I know Bob Crow can get rather overexcited and has come out with some prize rubbish in his time, but I don't think the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) would ever publish anything as stupid as this.

Follow the link, scroll down to the 10 Mar 09 press release. Read it and weep, then note the extreme irony of the title of the following press release. I despair.

http://www.atcu.org.uk/newsroom.htm#

[Tim]

It only discloses stuff that would not be difficult to find out (on this forum, or by asking a driver or preservationist, or train cleaner or manufacturer). 

[Btline]

I think the Mail is lying.

All that is happening is barriers are going up at certain stations. (thus preventing train spotters)

I assume that spotters are already "banned" from stations like BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)), New Street etc.

Platform tickets are a problem as people can use them as a cheap way of getting through the barriers, and then fare dodge.

[Chris from Nailsea]

I assume that spotters are already "banned" from stations like BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) ...

Actually, no, Btline: there are quite often 'spotters' on the ends of platforms at Bristol Temple Meads - they are well known to the gateline staff, who just use their discretion and nod them through the barriers.

[Btline]

I assume that spotters are already "banned" from stations like BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) ...

Actually, no, Btline: there are quite often 'spotters' on the ends of platforms at Bristol Temple Meads - they are well known to the gateline staff, who just use their discretion and nod them through the barriers.

Didn't realise.

[caliwag]

Mmm...as reported in the York Press, including my thoughts...doubt if I'll be allowed to go to the bookstall now..."there he is...that that, damn contibuter!"

[caliwag]

Sorry missed the link...doh

http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/4206675.Rail_chiefs_deny_York_station_trainspotting_ban/

[G.Uard]

I think the Mail is lying.

Surely not?

The trouble is that a large slice of 'Middle' Britain believes without question, every word they publish. 

It has been pointed out that 'spotters' are friends of the railway. From an inside perspective, it is good to have extra eyes and ears open, particularly when they are on your side. 

On a lighter note, I understand that it would be possible for potential terrorists to use spotting as a cover for their activities, but IMO^▸ (in my opinion) they would never succeed in getting the 'look', or the badges and pens for that matter.