Plane-spotters question warning signs at RAF base

Plane enthusiast David Fyfe uses a long-lens camera to capture his pictures

Plane-spotters say they will not be put off by new signs outside an RAF base that warn people could be arrested and prosecuted for taking photos.

The signs, which refer to the National Security Act 2023, have been put up on gates and fences at the perimeter of RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, where enthusiasts gather to watch aircraft and capture images.

When asked for clarification, the RAF said it did not comment on security-related issues.

Aircraft enthusiast David Fyfe, who served in the military and uses a long-lens camera, said he was only taking the sort of pictures seen "in any magazines", but understood that the RAF was "trying to say, 'don't get too close'".

Mr Fyfe argued the new signage was a "load of rubbish" when it came to plane fans, but fellow spotter Anne-Marie Watkins said she thought they were a good idea.

Anne-Marie Watkins believes plane-spotters are not the main target of the signs

Warning signs were required in order to "stop the obvious", Ms Watkins said, though she did not think the RAF would prevent people from enjoying their hobby.

She pointed out that if the authorities did not want spotters in the area, they would remove the public car park.

"The moment they have guards patrolling with guns, [then] it's a bit different," she added.

RAF Coningsby is the main training base for Typhoon pilots and one of two Quick Reaction Alert stations that protect UK airspace. RAF Lossiemouth is the other.

The signs warn people who take photos "may be arrested"

The National Security Act designates certain sensitive sites, including Coningsby, as prohibited places.

Section 4 covers "entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK". This includes "inspecting" by use of photographs, videos or other recordings of the prohibited place.

A security review for bases was ordered in June after military planes were damaged following a break-in at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Chris Phillips, former head of the UK National Counter Terrorism Security Office, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that incident had been a "wake up call" for military sites around the country.

There was also a major concern about espionage in the UK, he added.

Mr Phillips said the signage at RAF Coningsby was likely intended to act as a warning that "if you do take photographs and misuse them then we going to come after you".

"I doubt anyone without any ill-intent would be prosecuted, but it's important they do signify it's private land," he added.

RAF Coningsby's website states that people "can safely watch aircraft from the viewing area at Dogdyke Road", where there is a free public car park.

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