MEDIA CENTRE SAFE PRACTICE GUIDANCE SHEET

FILMING ON ROADS

This covers filming on or near roadways and filming from cars.

HAZARDS

  • Vehicles
  • Trips
  • Night operations
  • Filming in a moving vehicle

LEGISLATION

When filming on or near public highways, or from moving vehicles, it is vital that basic road safety legislation is complied with and the particular risks identified and controlled. Road traffic legislation applies on all public roads within the UK; there are no exemptions for the purposes of filming.

The position on private roads is actually less clear. Private roads are not subject to the strict road traffic legislation; however should an accident occur those investigating the accident be they police or the health & safety authorities will use road traffic legislation as the accepted best practice model.

POLICE LIAISON

Where practical it is considered good practice to inform the police of any intention to film on or near a public road. The police must be consulted whenever there may be a requirement to direct traffic or divert pedestrians.

ROADS & PAVEMENTS

As well as the risk of crew, cast or members of the public being knocked over, there is a risk of injury coming from “rubber necking” or “road rage”.

  • Wear high visibility jackets at all times.
  • Assign assistants to monitor traffic and to look out for crew and cast to prevent them from stepping out into the road.
  • Ensure all cables are safe by position, flown or suitably ramped when filming in public areas.
  • Care must be taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Filming MUST NEVER block a pavement or footpath; or indeed force people out into the roadway. Carefully choose positions for filming these shots.
  • Should the need to block a pavement occur (e.g.: use of cherry picker) the police MUST be contacted in advance and steps taken to provide alternative pedestrian routes.

NIGHT SHOOTING

When filming on or near roadways at night the following precaution must be employed:

  • High visibility jackets should be worn when practical.
  • Any lights used must be arranged so as to avoid dazzling motorists.

FILMING FROM OR IN MOVING CARS

Seat belts (or other restraints) must be worn by all passengers; this includes the camera operator-they are not exempt from British law. It may be necessary to employ alternative arrangements (e.g.: full race harness, use of a safety harness if filming from the foot well of a moving vehicle) due to the risks involved.

Cameras should be secured to a firm anchor point within the vehicle (as with human bodies in the event of a crash or sudden halt the camera will retain its momentum and can seriously injure the occupants). Where practical, remote cameras are ideal for this purpose; ensure they are installed by competent contractors.

An assessment of the drivers’ competence and abilities should be made prior to any filming. Similarly, an evaluation of the road conditions must be undertaken. Care must be taken not to disturb the driver’s concentration whilst in motion and especial care is needed for shots involving a driver talking to camera.

FILMING FROM OPEN WINDOWS

If filming from the window of a moving car, it is vital to ensure the camera is secured by a safety lanyard if it is to “overhang” due to the risks to other members of the public should the camera operator drop the item. This requirement can obviously be relaxed on private or closed roads due to the reduced risks.

FILMING FROM CAR TO CAR

When filming other vehicles it is important that your actions do not pose a danger to other motorists. Consider the risks carefully and ensure adequate separation between vehicles. The local police should be informed of your intentions.

EMERGENCY VEHICLES

The width of a public highway must not be restricted to less than 3.5 metres as this may impede vehicles generally & the vehicles of the emergency services in particular.

STAGED CAR CHASES

This is a highly complex and hazardous activity, which can only be undertaken by professional stunt artists and so will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, after thorough consultation with academic and Media Centre staff at the most senior level.

The safety of all parties concerned should be paramount, particularly members of the public.

Any disruption to normal traffic flows and other road users should be kept to an absolute minimum. The primary concern should be to minimise disruption to the public.

Applications to stage a car chase on the highway should in the first instance be directed through the appropriate Police Traffic Planning Management Department. The Police will liaise with the appropriate Highway Department to check if there are any scheduled road works, which may need diversion routes.

Where possible, use roads with low traffic flows. If a high traffic flow road is needed, maximum notice to the Police should be given.

A Police presence should always be utilised in car chase scenes. If possible use private roads for car chase scenes. If a mock Police liveried vehicle is to be used in any way, the vehicle should either be transported to and from the location on a trailer, or the Police dressing should be removed and the beacon or federal bar unit should be covered. Whenever prop Police cars are used on location, the movement of the vehicle, registration number and drivers name must be given to the Police.

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Filming on Roads – edited 07.09.08