Filming at SPT locations
Frequently Asked Questions for filming and other events
1. What locations are available to use for filming, photography or other events?
We can consider requests to use any premises owned or operated by SPT. These are the Subway, Buchanan bus station, East Kilbride bus station, Hamilton bus station and the Renfrew-Yoker Ferry. We don’t own or operate the buses or mainline trains so requests to use these should be directed to the relevant operators.
2. Do I need to obtain permission to film, photograph, or hold an event at SPT premises?
Yes, anybody who wants to use SPT premises for filming, photography or events must get our permission first.
3. How do I apply for permission?
All requests must be submitted using the internet request form. When we get your form someone from our Communications team will contact you to discuss your application.
4. How much does it cost to use SPT premises?
We charge a facility fee of £200 per hour, plus additional costs (operational outlays and any additional staffing costs), which are assessed on a case by case basis. We charge for a minimum of one hour, irrespective of time requirements.
5. Are there special rates for students?
No. The fee is in place to cover the cost to us of administering requests to use our premises and providing staff to manage these activities on site. It isn’t possible to offer special rates to students.
6. Is it possible to use SPT premises free of charge?
Generally no, but we may waive the fee for news items, charity events and occasional other activities that promote SPT.
7. How much notice does SPT require?
You must put in your application at least seven working days before the date that you need to use our premises. Complex applications can take longer to assess so you should submit your request as early as possible. We may consider requests for news items at shorter notice.
8. Does SPT place any restrictions on what people can film or photograph?
We will assess your proposal at the first stage of the application process. You must meet and comply with any Data Protection issues involved. We won’t allow anything that offends against good taste or decency, or is likely to encourage or incite crime or to lead to disorder or to be offensive to public feeling.
In particular:
- offensive and profane language must be avoided;
- salacious, violent or indecent themes, or sexual innuendo or stereotyping likely to cause serious or general offence, should be avoided;
- references to minority groups should not be stereotypical, malicious, unkind or hurtful;
- references to religious or political beliefs should not be offensive, deprecating or hurtful, and the use of religious themes and treatments by non-religious groups should be treated with extreme care;
- those who have physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health disabilities should not be demeaned or ridiculed.
We won’t agree to anything which we consider detrimental to SPT and its reputation.
9. Is there a limit to the size of film crew or people allowed to use the premises?
The size of crews allowed will be subject to individual assessment to make sure that Health and Safety regulations aren’t broken. The assessment will be done once the request is submitted.
10. Do I need to provide risk assessments and method statements?
Yes. Before you are allowed onto our premises we must be confident that all possible risks have been considered, and control measures are in place to mitigate them.
11. Do I need insurance?
Yes. Anyone using SPT premises should have Employers’ Liability Insurance cover for at least £5 million and Public Liability Insurance cover for at least £2 million.
12. Can I use flash or additional lighting?
We’ll assess each application individually with regard to lighting implications. Flash photography and bright lights aren’t generally allowed on Subway platforms. Additional lighting can be used at the Ferry providing the appropriate bodies are notified, such as the Maritime Coastguard Agency and Estuary Control.
13. Can I use a tripod?
Tripods are allowed subject to a case-by-case assessment.
14. Can I get electrical power from SPT?
An engineer needs to assess the power required by the equipment and also the existing infrastructure at the location. Subject to the outcome of the assessment power can be supplied. You may be charged extra for using our power.
15. When is the Subway available?
We’ll consider requests for most times as long as they avoid peak periods. These are 0730 to 1000 and 1530 to 1900. There is some flexibility depending on the specific location and the nature of the event.
16. When is the Ferry available?
The slipway can be used almost any time. Ferries are available between 0600 and midnight, subject to our assessment.
17. When are the bus stations available?
The bus stations are available at almost any time providing it doesn’t interfere with operations. This will be considered on an individual basis.
18. Can I film at night?
Yes but it’s likely that this will cost more because of higher overheads.
19. What areas can I have access to?
Filming, photography, broadcasting and events can take place in most parts of the premises provided that risks can be controlled. This is why a risk assessment is needed for all requests.
20. Can I film on a Subway train?
Yes, subject to a case-by-case assessment.
21. Can I film in the driver’s cab?
No, access to cabs is restricted to trained SPT staff and selected contractors only.
22. Can I film in the Ferry wheelhouse?
Yes but space is limited to around three people.
23. Can I film on a bus?
We don’t operate the buses so any requests to film on a bus should be made directly to the relevant operator. If you want to use a bus and a bus station you must submit separate requests to us and the operator.
24. Can company/liveried vehicles be brought to SPT bus stations?
Yes, subject to a case-by-case assessment.