Following a conversation in the pub about what rights you have as a photographer, I decided to do some research.
There is an excellent guide published here: http://www.sirimo.co.uk/2009/05/14/uk-photographers-rights-v2
Also worth a look is the comments section as it serves as a Q & A with the author. It seems that plenty of people will ‘quote’ fictious rules they believe to be law. Having read the guide I reckon it pays to know what you are talking about and carrying a printout of their factsheet might save a disagreement.
The Royal Parks and Trafalgar Square are notable for their restrictions as they are not widely known. As for people, the boundaries around privacy seem to be moving away from the photographer and much hinges upon reasonable expectation of privacy i.e. if you are in a crowd at a public event you can’t be surprised if you are photographed. If you are on private property, you are subject to their rules, bye-laws etc.
But what of the police? Can’t they search you under new terror laws?
http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm
And what of taking photos on public transport?
http://www.btp.police.uk/passengers/advice_and_information/rail_enthusiasts.aspx
The tripod often attracts the wrong sort of attention from security guards and officials. Seemingly people assume you are professional if you have either a big camera or a tripod. Often mentioned on forums is Canary Wharf, mainly as people don’t see it as private property. It is, so if you are not an amateur or you want to use a tripod, you need a permit. The policy is detailed here:
http://www.canarywharf.com/media/media_photographing.asp