RAF Police advice for spotting at Harmston/runway 02 end

[Rockstar]

Some friendly advice received from the RAF Police when they paid us a visit at lunchtime whilst waiting for the Galaxy to depart. They were explicit that no cars should be parked along the track that leads from the layby on the S bend of the B1178 down to crash gate 5. Equally no-one should stand at crash gate 5 and this area should be kept clear at all times.

They were more than happy for enthusiasts/spotters to park in the layby area and walk down the track to view from the farmers field. They were, however, very sensitive to the fact of anyone viewing at or along the fenceline. Therefore, if walking from the lane to the left to reach the end of runway 02 to view/photograph, expect a visit from security or the RAF Police and be quizzed what you are doing or potentially be asked to move on. They did say they would try and take a balanced view as to assessing where people are stood, but it was clear they were under strict orders and for whatever reason there seems to be a heightened sense of security at the moment. Whether this was just due to the visit of todays Galaxy or a more general trend, I do not know, but it certainly sounds like they are going to be proactive in monitoring peoples movements.

It was also mentioned that at the A15/runway 20 end has also caused concern with people leaning on the fence (raises suspicions with security which it turns means a visit from RAF Police) and people loitering under the approach by the red and white fencing.

I have to say that they were polite and friendly throughout and were willing to engage in discussion to see things from both perspectives of base security and that of the enthusiast. Whatever we may think, they have clearly they have got a job to do so it if worth bearing the above in mind when visiting Waddington, especially the Harmston end and to be mindful of your actions and where you stand if you want to avoid a visit from base personnel.

It did cross my mind to say that if 3 people had raised an issue, then good luck in September, but felt that was a discussion for another day....!

[jamesg23]

They was the same when it came at the beginning of march. They didnt want you taking any pictures and a security van tried blocking the view and told us not to take photos then told us not to stand there.

[iskra750]

Thanks for the nice comments, makes a change. The guys are doing a job and comments like these makes there job a little easier and mine

[roughcutter]

I wonder if the heightened security measures are being brought in anticipation, for the planned temporary residence of Coningsby's Typhoons later this Summer (not forgetting the added presence of the Israelis for Exercise Cobra Warrior in September)?

[colt41]

Would it not be a good idea for them to have a bit roped off like they did for airshow departure day.they could have a charge that could go to a charity.

[Hunter49]

I agree rob

[plmc135]

Think the base staff will have more pressing matters to deal with when the exercise is on rather than keeping some itinerant aviation enthusiasts happy. Would it be a good way of spending taxpayers money I think not, our resources in Lincolnshire are already overstretched

[Doughnut]

Waddington already has off airfield car parking, facilities and good access. Why would you need to be parked in a roped off area on base ?
What is need is a sensible approach from the spotters when crossing the A15 and not standing under the landing lights. All the base need to do is cut the hedge, please :>)
Sadly the Harmerston end may be more of an issue. Base security will be watching and may not tolerate spotters at the fence. Again lets hope common sense prevails and with the cooperation of local landowners some safe area for viewing arrivals can be found.

[Vulcan74]

No different really to when they had 4 squadrons of Vulcans based there, security was always hot.

[reaper493]

All the base need to do is cut the hedge, please :>)

The hedge has been cut, just depends how much it grows between now and September...

Mike

[colt41]

I say Doughnut do you honestly think that the car park there is going to be big enough.?

[Vulcanone]

The RAF didn't open Coningsby for the Saudi exercise or the Indians or any of the Cobra Warriors at Coningsby. So what makes you think Waddington is likely to do this.

Its an operational exercise not a darn airshow

[Doughnut]

Colt41
Probably not, but better than nothing. There is no car park at Fairford and they manage. Be sensible about parking and all should be well.
I doubt enthusiasts will be the problem but trouble makers may be. Let us hope not.

[colt41]

Thanks for that.

[March]

While reading this topic and as we are now approaching September: any thoughts on parking at the 02 approach end during CW? Would it be (photography wise) better to stay at the WAVE? Its my first time to Waddington... appologies for sounding silly.

[B-2 Fan]

While reading this topic and as we are now approaching September: any thoughts on parking at the 02 approach end during CW? Would it be (photography wise) better to stay at the WAVE? Its my first time to Waddington... appologies for sounding silly.

The road past the 02 end of the base is blocked off with farm access only from the A15.

[reaper493]

While reading this topic and as we are now approaching September: any thoughts on parking at the 02 approach end during CW? Would it be (photography wise) better to stay at the WAVE? Its my first time to Waddington... appologies for sounding silly.

The road past the 02 end of the base is blocked off with farm access only from the A15.

Not exactly, the B1178 that joins the A15 to the A607 is open as normal. The northern layby is closed, the southern is open. Signs are saying farm access only. You may be able to walk down the lane to the crash gate but it is not encouraged, and definitely not worth going down if there are any isreali personnel around.

Mike

[Malcolm]

While reading this topic and as we are now approaching September: any thoughts on parking at the 02 approach end during CW? Would it be (photography wise) better to stay at the WAVE? Its my first time to Waddington... appologies for sounding silly.

The road past the 02 end of the base is blocked off with farm access only from the A15.

Not exactly, the B1178 that joins the A15 to the A607 is open as normal. The northern layby is closed, the southern is open. Signs are saying farm access only. You may be able to walk down the lane to the crash gate but it is not encouraged, and definitely not worth going down if there are any isreali personnel around.

Mike

Lincolnshire County Council have an interactive map of public rights of way : http://row.lincolnshire.gov.uk/map.aspx?act=Walking

Scroll it south and zoom in to the airfield area. There are 3 public footpaths at the west, south and east of the 02 end of the airfield. As far as I can see, the county council haven't closed any of these footpaths. The one to the west of the field looks like it's turning into a housing estate on Google earth though, so something may have changed. The online map isn't the legal copy, so there could be errors.

The maps broadly agree with the various spotting guides linked to from this site. So it would be interesting to know on what authority 'police' are claiming the rights of way are closed

[Supra]

There is NO issue with access...IF you leave your car in the opposite side lay-by & walk down the track or use PROW. (Public Right of Way = Footpaths!) & do NOT enter fields. Israeli's have not reacted so far to having pictures taken at 02 end. Much of the 'Restrictions' information posted on here & especially Social Media is at best 'fanciful' & at worst 'Utter Bo****ks!!
Many enthusiasts have chosen to stay well away due to the hype, ridiculous! Don't even get me started on the eejits posting pictures of alleged transgressors? ... WhoTF appointed them as the 'WAVE Police'?? Only the proper "Old Bill" have jurisdiction over what happens on the A15 Highway which includes the verges up to the fences. Even the RAF have to defer to the local Rozzers for matters outside the fence. So STOP creating ill-informed manic paranoia....please?

[March]

Many thanks for all the replies. I look forward to comming to the area and find out what kind of pictures can be taken.