Metropolitan Police Service Film Unit

Film with us Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

I have been so busy I forgot to tell the police I was filming and it’s viewable/audible from a public place.

If you are shooting today and have made no contact with the police station that covers the London borough you are shooting in, then contact the borough police station. The impact of failing to inform relevant authorities could result in unnecessary police resources being deployed and disruption to the community.

What do I need to know about tracking shots/low loaders?

The Film Unit is the sole Metropolitan Police Department responsible for managing the industry filming moving activity (tracking, low loader, 'A' frame or specialist vehicle shots) on the roads covered by the 32 London Boroughs (City of London is not included). Our advice must be sought in the first instance and we will assess the nature of the scene with you.

We consider the safety of all persons using the highway. We aim to maintain the free flow of traffic and minimize inconvenience to the travelling public and this should be considered when looking at your shoot schedule.

Construction & Use Regulations, the Road Traffic Act and other legislation cover the legality of vehicles used on a highway. The HSE Information Sheet No 22 covers these points well. See www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis22.pdf.

The highway authority for the roads concerned must be consulted in London. This may be the Highways Agency, Transport for London or the local London Borough.

Do you issue a permit or authorise filming in the street?

We do work very closely with the London Boroughs and it is they who decide as to whether filming can ultimately take place on their Borough. The Commissioner of Police has no power to authorise the use of streets for the purpose of filming and does not issue permits purporting to do so. Local Boroughs manage most roads others are managed by TfL and the Highways Agency.

What do I need to know if I use a weapon or firearm?

No weapons or firearms including imitation firearms or realistic imitation firearms shall be used on the street or audible from a public place without advanced agreement between the police and the Production. The Health and Safety Executive Information sheet No 20 covers this area in some detail. Precautions must take place to minimise the potential for public alarm. Consideration should be given to;

  • Police presence.
  • Wherever practicable private land is used out of visual/audible range of third parties.
  • Firearms, imitation firearms or realistic imitation firearms are kept out of public view when not essentially required on set .
  • An Armourer’s presence for firearms scene.
  • Advanced notification to local residents/businesses by letter with contact details on the day.

Can you close roads for filming?

A police constable in uniform has a power under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle being driven, or a cycle being ridden, on a road. There is no specific legislation in place to allow police to close roads for filming. This is the responsibility of the relevant Highways Authority under s16(A) Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (as amended by the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2008). Further advice can be obtained by contacting the MPS Film Unit..

How do we get some parking spaces?

It will be necessary to liase with the Borough Film Office regarding the suspension of parking meters or other matters affecting the highway. i.e. street signs or road markings. The police cannot grant general parking dispensation. Special conditions apply within Westminster and Lambeth Boroughs.

I want to use blue lights and two tones in a shoot.

Firstly it is worth considering completing the shoot at a location which is not on a road, thereby avoiding the legal requirements relating warning equipment associated with emergency vehicles. If this is not an option, we would always suggest adding sound effects as part of your post production. This is in line with regulation 37(4) of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and the environmental rules governing noise pollution in public areas.

Emergency lamps are controlled under Regulation 16 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989. Although essentially illegal to have warning lamps fitted to vehicles (working or not), the MPS Film Unit is very aware of the desire to have these in use during certain filming activity. In order to make a decision regarding this, please consult with either the MPS Film Unit directly or with the local police contact you are already consulting with. Much will depend on the control measures you have in place which is likely to necessitate the presence of police during filming.

I want to do a news report/ current affairs programme/ documentary on the Metropolitan Police.

All requests for this type of coverage should be directed through the Publicity and Press Department via the 24hr switchboard (Press) 020 7230 2171

Do you provide officers and equipment for use in a production?

See If I have a license can I use real police officers and police cars in the production? under Intellectual Property FAQ page.

How much does it cost for a police officer to be in attendance at my on street production?

See our Fees page under Special Services of Police.

Do I need any type of insurance to film in a public place?

Public liability insurance is required. The authority responsible for the area you are using will decide the sum. If you are a student then contact your college or university for further details.

Film Unit

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