Protests at Railway Stations.

[reb0118]

Are protesters allowed to protest, without permission from the relevant authorities, on railway premises, including the handing out of leaflets, under human rights legislation?

 

[AlterEgo]

No, it's trespass if there isn't permission, and a civil nuisance. The police will only attend if there is a risk of violence of breach of the police, else all you can do is ask them to leave.

 

[StephenHunter]

Are protesters allowed to protest, without permission from the relevant authorities, on railway premises, including the handing out of leaflets, under human rights legislation?

The railway byelaws would require permission for leaflet distribution:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/694aa5551a2e540ccd8a54f8/dft-railway-byelaws-amendment-2025.pdf

Except with written permission from an Operator no person on the railway shall: 8 (i) display anything for the purpose of advertising or publicity, or distribute anything; or (ii) sell or expose or offer anything for sale; or (iii) tout for, or solicit money, reward, custom or employment of any kind.

I must admit that some of the byelaws need an update in light of mobile phones, WiFi etc. because you could technically breach them by emailing a prospective employer while on the train.

 

[styles]

The railway byelaws would require permission for leaflet distribution:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/694aa5551a2e540ccd8a54f8/dft-railway-byelaws-amendment-2025.pdf

I must admit that some of the byelaws need an update in light of mobile phones, WiFi etc. because you could technically breach them by emailing a prospective employer while on the train.

Does that mean I can't wear my Coca-Cola t-shirt as well?

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Does that mean I can't wear my Coca-Cola t-shirt as well?

Under

display anything for the purpose of advertising or publicity

I think that would only work if your intent was to advertise it, rather than it just being something you're wearing.

 

[styles]

Under

I think that would only work if your intent was to advertise it, rather than it just being something you're wearing.

What about if I approach the platform whispering, "Always Coca-Colaaaaaa"?

 

[Jimini]

What about if I approach the platform whispering, "Always Coca-Colaaaaaa"?

Maybe arrive on a big red HGV as well

 

[king_walnut]

The endless Palestine protests in Brighton always start in the station. I asked if this was authorised and was told that it isn't but they don't have the manpower or resources to stop it.

 

[greatkingrat]

Does that mean I can't wear my Coca-Cola t-shirt as well?

If that was the case, anyone wearing a football shirt would be banned from the railway (which some might think is a good thing!)

 

[dk1]

When ever I have seen any of this at Norwich station it’s always been right across the front car park near the traffic junction. They are allowed nowhere near the station premises.

 

[Romsey]

The protests at Dover seem to start outside Dover Priory station, which is where Kent Constabulary direct the protestors. Looking at BBC news on Saturday evening there were nearly as many locals protesting about the protest clogging up their town....
Last weekend there was apparently a significant security and BT police presence on the station. The Belmond Golden Age of Travel steam hauled train took water at Folkestone West to avoid any trouble for patrons, support crew or the tanker driver.

 

[speedy1]

The endless Palestine protests in Brighton always start in the station. I asked if this was authorised and was told that it isn't but they don't have the manpower or resources to stop it.

"don't have the manpower or resources to stop it" haha

Definitely no two-tier policing in the UK. Don't look at Gosport.

 

[6Gman]

"don't have the manpower or resources to stop it" haha

Definitely no two-tier policing in the UK. Don't look at Gosport.

Since Gosport doesn't have a railway station the comparison is odd.

 

[blimmo]

"don't have the manpower or resources to stop it" haha

Definitely no two-tier policing in the UK. Don't look at Gosport.

I think the police are probably making an assessment of the risk of violence.

 

[saismee]

I think the police are probably making an assessment of the risk of violence.

And consider the appearance. If it turned into a riot then it could end up looking very, very bad for the police. Even though they just want to move the protesters along, not shut down their campaign, the media won't present it that way.

 

[Lytham Local]

OT, but it wasn't protestors at Manchester Vic today, it was bloody chuggers with one of them chasing after people for whatever save the carrot group they were 'representing'. They are a damned nuisance and should be kicked off the station in my opinion.

 

[StephenHunter]

OT, but it wasn't protestors at Manchester Vic today, it was bloody chuggers with one of them chasing after people for whatever save the carrot group they were 'representing'. They are a damned nuisance and should be kicked off the station in my opinion.

The ones at Mile End do it on the pavement outside the station.

 

[YorksLad12]

Despite me telling the rest of the team that they couldn't film outside Leeds Station's New Station Street entrance without permission, it being Network Rail land, they went ahead... plonked the tripod down... and were visited by two pairs of staff asking what they were doing. And quite right too. The redevelopment provides a tempting spot for protesters to gather now, as does the City Square entrance now that it's pedestrianised.

If they'd held a paper cup out and asked people for spare change, they'd have got away with it.