It is rediculas. Who has the right to put that sign there though? Photographers rights are the same as anyone else's. Harrassment is an offence, and you can cause it with a camera, but it doesn't mean it's all photographers. It also seems to the be, the bigger the camera, the bigger the pedo. It is actually getting to a rediculas state now. People need to address it. well done for posting.
Phil.

I emailed the council to ask when this became law(?) and whether it applied to any other public areas. No reply as yet!

City Council's reply:
"We currently adhere to guidelines laid down by the ISRM in relation to Child Protection. The policy is intended to protect children from being photographed by unauthorised members of the public."
The letter continues to explain that you need written permission to take photographs. That's the end of spur of the moment pictures of little Emily! Unless you stay outside the fence I suppose!

I totally agree with Superphilman in his coments. Great Picture.

This is a photograph that really belongs to this catgory: documentory. I gives a complete view and a message, it tells a story on its own (and deserves my vote).

Thanks Lion!

Haven't they got anything better to do? I believe you have to get written permission to take images of some landmarks in London now too. Anyway, great to see someone bucking the trend. Voted, for sure.

PS: So all the other activities that happen in parks such as addicts spiking themselves or people having sex in public are okay, as long as no photos are taken?? it makes one mad, all this red tape.

I assume the ban is only for the area within the railings of the paddling pool. There are no notices at the entrances of the park, so everything else is still 'photographable.' I hope.

Great example of the current paranoia in this country! Well done for ignoring a sign which has no official or legal backing.

As a documentary piece this is classically excellent! Is it the camera or what is being done with the photo that is the real problem? My vote :) No photographing is not going to stop pediphillias. If need be they will get larger cameras or just photograph indoors.

Another vote for this, well spotted.