Camera gear is on a hit list of \u2018restricted items’ drawn up by the London 2012 organising committee.<\/p>\n
The list includes: \u2018Large photographic and broadcast equipment over 30cm in length, including tripods and monopods.’<\/p>\n
Locog adds: \u2018You cannot use photographic or broadcast equipment for commercial purposes unless you hold media accreditation.’<\/p>\n
Visitors are told to \u2018check with staff’ about items they fear may block the view of other spectators, or create a safety hazard.<\/p>\n
Responding to the news, John Tracy, chief executive of the Bureau of Freelance Photographers said: \u2018So, once again, photographers are facing restrictions on taking photographs… <\/p>\n
\u2018There was a time when people would be perfectly free to take pictures at public events, even if they were doing so for commercial purposes.<\/p>\n
\u2018This is yet another indication of how our rights are being gradually eroded.’<\/p>\n
At the time of writing, it was not clear if people carrying equipment exceeding 30cm will be prevented from taking it into the venue, or whether they will be told not to use it once inside.<\/p>\n
\u2018We are giving people advanced warning,’ said a Locog spokesman, adding that he will seek to clarify the matter with Locog security.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Locog said photographers will not face confiscation of camera gear at the gates, but that security staff have a right to challenge people whose equipment interferes with the view of other spectators once inside.<\/p>\n
\u2018No way are we trying to target camera users,’ said a Locog spokesman in February. \u2018The issue is basically around size.’ <\/p>\n
Curbed objects also include \u2018oversized hats’, and clothing bearing \u2018political statements or overt commercial identification intended for “ambush marketing”‘.<\/p>\n
The list of \u2018prohibited items’ includes skateboards and pets. <\/p>\n
\u2018There are no storage facilities available and if you surrender an item you won’t be able to get it back,’ warns Locog.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Visitors face a \u201830cm\u2019 limit on photographic equipment at London 2012 Olympics venues, organisers have confirmed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":324,"featured_media":12880,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"product-category":[],"class_list":["post-12879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-photo-news"],"yoast_head":"\n