Letter from police at GLA:
The following taken from the GLA forum posted by Kevin
Marchbanks:
Deputy Commander Glasgow Airport(spotting At Glasgow)
On Sunday 11th April Kevin Marshbanks, with photographer
representatives including Fred Seggie, visited the police office and together
with Irene Degenan the Security Duty Officer, we toured the area around the
airport and examined each area to establish any go or no go areas. There is the
general understanding that anyone with stepladders would cause nervousness, as
this could be a means of overcoming the security of the perimeter fence.
Consequently those who wish to use ladders to take photographs should call the
Airport Police Office 0141 848 4515, which will generally provide permission
and prevent alarm. The other constant factor was parking within the Crash Gate
areas. For many years we have moved on any person parking in these areas and
have provided plastic screens to obstruct the view from a car. Large signs
indicating parking prohibited and action by both Police and security patrols
have moved people on from these areas.
We have reviewed this and have concluded that the danger to
the airport is obstruction of entry or access from unattended vehicles and not
vehicles, which could be moved at a moments notice. In reality the vast
majority of these gates are seldom used consequently we will tolerate vehicles
within the crash gates except Crash Gate 3, which is regularly used by the
emergency services.
We approached this on the basis that we would not nor should
we, differentiate between enthusiasts and general members of the public. The
result is essentially as follows.
§
Beginning at the Business Aviation Centre at Abbotsinch
Road (Inchinnan Road) and travelling anti clockwise, all areas are permissible,
with the exception of the Business Aviation Centre car park.
§
The next gate No 5, gives access to the general
Aviation terminal at Area Juliet. It is used for any VIP visits as the Pilcher
Suite for VIP's and the Pan used for Royal flights is within this area. We
spoke about removing any plastic barriers on this gate, however the advice we
have is that these were placed here on a road safety basis to avoid drivers
being distracted by aircraft and causing accidents.
§
Gate 4 is also seldom used and is available.
§
The largest of the gates is the Emergency Services gate
is used for immediate access in the event of an emergency. This is regularly
used, however we have no objection to people gathering there and the plastic screen
has been removed by storms. We will seek to provide slots for photography and
prevent further damage by those who cut holes in the fence.
§
The next gate 2 is apparently the best for
photographers and has a view of the Taxiway Alpha. Here we will seek to remove
all the plastic screens, and prepare slots for cameras. This gate is never used
and there may be the possibility of some future development of this area which
we will pursue with BAA.
§
Following the fence line we have no issues anywhere
along the perimeter fence until we reach Barnsford Road at the Yonderton Farm
Road. This is popular spot but as it is essentially a narrow lane, parking can
be an issue. The Department for Transport has placed an obligation on Airports within
the National Aviation Security Programme, to keep a three metre gap between the
perimeter fence, and any obstacle. Parking a vehicle next to the fence
compromises this three metre gap and will invite police and security attention.
We have no problems with parking on the other side of the lane, however this is
private property, and the owner of the land may have other views. This is
certainly the case further along the lane towards the crash gate 14 where the
farmer has placed several signs on his verge to indicate no parking. This
should be respected, and as parking adjacent to the fence is problematic, we
would suggest that this area be avoided. A request was made to consider making
camera slots outside the farmers home but this would impact adversely on his
quality of life and we would not support this.
§
Parking near the radar installation at crash gate 13
will also attract attention, as will any unattended vehicle near this
equipment. There is no danger to traffic from distraction and we will seek to
remove the existing plastic barriers from the crash gates in the lane to
improve the view, and seek to create slots on Crash Gate 12. Kevin has
suggested some form of car parking area be created here. This is a matter for
BAA and I will take this up with them, but is may be a matter best implemented
when the Perimeter fence is being replaced.
§
Following the fence anti clockwise past the Fire
Service Training Area and the Crash gate 11 on the Barnsford Road. We have no
issues apart from vehicles left unattended within the crash gate. This is a
gate, which the public tend to congregate and park across. However these gates
are seldom used.
§
The crash gate 10 at the end of the runway near the lay
by on Barnsford Road is popular and is also available. Parking in the lay by is
free and perhaps the nearest free parking area available for any of the viewing
areas at this part of the airfield.
§
There is a footpath running along the fence line from
crash gate 10 into Paisley Moss, which is to the north of the St James
Roundabout. Following this track, and then the fence line will bring you to a
point where two fences meet which is popular for photographers. We will seek to
have slots placed on the fence line.
§
Slightly further east there is a large mound, which
gives a panoramic view of the airfield and is also available for your use.
However, there are equipment compounds, which we will require you to avoid.
§
Following the fence line, the area behind the Loganair
hangar is available but parking is not permitted.
§
Similarly, the area to the east of the International
Pier near the blast fence provides a view into the cul-de-sac November, and is
available.
§
Finally passing the terminal building entering Campsite
Drive turning east towards the East Security Gate, gives a view into the cul-de-sac
Kilo, but the sight lines are not good.
§
Following the fence line this takes you into the Cargo
area, which has specific difficulties. There are few viewing areas and the only
clear area is within a private car park owned by British Airways, which we
would not support. This brings us back to the starting point.
We have BAA Security approval of these areas. Similarly we
have advised both Security Officers the Police Officers on patrol of this
arrangement and while you may be challenged, you should not be moved on
unnecessarily.
I hoped to let you know of any issues, which you may find of
interest. Kevin has been
instrumental in promoting additional contacts and I am grateful for his
support.
The Airport Ramp Safety Campaign Exhibition will be held
within the Domestic Pier from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th
April and I would extend an invitation for you to attend. As it is within the
restricted zone you will require an escorted pass for access. Please bring this
letter together with documentary identification such as a Photocard Driving Licence
or Passport and attend the information desk. With the permission of the information
desk staff, telephone extension 4515 and we will have an officer attend to
issue you with a pass and escort you to the event. This Campaign is aimed at
giving safety information to airport employees but will have a range of
exhibitors from Police, Fire, Engineering, Handling agents and security amongst
others. We are delighted to accommodate you for this
with a view to hosting an aviation enthusiasts stand next
year for you to be able to inform the wider airport community about your hobby.
There is possibly a valuable networking opportunity for you with airport management.
I am returning you application form however as you will see
we are keen to support you in any other way we can. Finally any suspicious
issues please telephone 0141 848 4515. My colleague Alister McMahon may from
time to time make contact and he is available at the same number, or by e mail
at gla_police@baa.com.
Alister and I look forward to seeing you are the ramp safety
meeting.
Yours sincerely
Sergeant Kenny Brown
Deputy Airport Police Commander