Filming Permissions in London 2026: How to Shoot Legally on Streets
If you are a brand or business thinking about shooting promotional videos on London's streets in 2026, the city's mix of historic spots and buzzing modern areas in boroughs like Westminster, Camden, and the City makes for fantastic backdrops. That said, commercial shoots come with some rules to keep everyone safe and things running smoothly.
Getting these permissions right saves you time, money, and potential headaches. Let me walk you through it in a straightforward way.
Filming Freely: When You Don’t Need a Permit
Good news first. If your shoot is really small and low-key, you often do not need any paperwork at all. This is perfect for quick social media clips or some initial footage without a big setup.
In 2026, you can usually film without a permit if:
Your crew is five people or fewer. It keeps things nimble on crowded pavements.
You stick to handheld cameras only. No lights or stabilisers needed.
You do not block pavements, roads, or foot traffic. Especially important in busy brand-friendly spots.
You avoid managed or sensitive locations. Just regular public streets.
Police rarely step in for this kind of compliant filming. Still, a quick heads-up to your local Borough Film Service is a smart move. It shows professionalism and can prevent any mix-ups during your shoot.
For instance, areas like the City often provide a simple Notice of No Objection for these portable setups.
Situations That Require Official Permission
If your brand is looking to film content outdoors in London, chances are your production will involve some equipment or a decent-sized team. That means any production company handling the filming will need to secure permissions. Councils want to make sure public spaces stay accessible and safe.
Sorting this out early avoids shoot stoppages, fines, or any unwanted attention that could affect your brand.
Any production company handling your filming will typically need permission when:
Setting up tripods, lighting, dollies, or tracks. Boroughs often see these as obstructions.
Bringing a crew larger than five. Standard for most promotional work.
Needing parking for vehicles or a unit base to keep things efficient.
Shooting near iconic spots like Trafalgar Square, Royal Parks, the South Bank, or Tower Bridge.
Flying drones for those impressive aerial shots. You need CAA approval plus site-specific okay.
Using props that might alarm people, like replica items or uniforms. Tell the Metropolitan Police Film Unit ahead of time.
Filming on or near TfL areas, such as main roads or transport hubs.
Commercial shoots get more attention than personal ones, and any privately owned but public-feeling spaces need their own clearances.
Flying Drones for Brand Videos
Drone footage can add that wow factor to your promotional videos, giving sweeping views over London's landmarks or borough skylines. As a brand, make sure any required drone flying comes with the right credentials. With the updated 2026 CAA rules in place, flying drones for commercial work is tightly regulated, especially in a busy city like this.
Your production company will need to ensure full compliance, which includes:
Registering as a drone operator with the CAA and obtaining an Operator ID.
Having qualified pilots with a Flyer ID and, for most commercial urban flights, additional certifications like an A2 CofC or operational authorisation in the Specific category.
Labelling drones correctly (new UK class marks apply to drones bought from 2026 onwards).
Carrying public liability insurance and planning flights to avoid no-fly zones, which cover much of central London due to airports and heliports.
Getting local permissions from borough film services or landowners on top of CAA requirements.
This process can take time, often weeks or even longer for authorisations in congested areas. If your project timeline is tight and you need aerials sooner, consider using high-quality royalty-free stock footage. There are plenty of excellent clips of London available that can work perfectly and keep your budget and schedule on track.
Additional Legal Considerations for Filming
A few extra things to keep on your radar for brand shoots. These can catch people out if not handled properly, so it is worth chatting about them with your production team early on.
Make sure you:
Get releases or consent from anyone recognisable on camera. For commercial content, this is best practice under UK data protection laws to avoid any privacy issues down the line.
Sort Child Performance Licences if you have younger talent involved. These are required for children of compulsory school age taking part in paid or public performances, including filming that causes school absence.
Stay cooperative if authorities stop by, especially in central areas.
Do proper risk assessments for every part of the shoot. This covers health and safety for your crew, talent, and the public.
Check drone operators have the right qualifications, as mentioned earlier.
Other points to note include avoiding defamation risks by not portraying people or buildings in a misleading way, and being mindful of trademarks or logos that appear incidentally. These steps protect your brand's reputation out in public and keep everything legally sound.
Best Practices for Compliant Shoots Across Boroughs
Even with all the paperwork sorted, the real difference between a stressful day and a brilliant one often comes down to simple, practical habits on the ground. A bit of forward thinking and common courtesy goes a long way toward smooth, hassle-free outdoor filming in London.
Try these:
Scout locations early and check council sites for any clashes.
Let nearby shops or residents know what you are up to. Builds goodwill.
Keep paths clear and noise down.
Have all your paperwork handy on the day.
Work with crews who know London's rules inside out.
Guidance for Brands Commissioning Outdoor Video Production
If you are hiring a production team for street filming, pick one that takes compliance seriously. It protects your project and keeps everything above board.
Look for partners who:
Regularly deal with borough permissions, insurance, and notifications for commercial jobs.
Can share recent London examples with proof of approvals.
Talk openly about risk plans, including backups.
Understand brand needs and run discreet, polished operations.
A solid London-based team handles the details so you can concentrate on the creative side without worries.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart for Hassle-Free Shoots
Navigating filming rules can make all the difference to a successful outdoor shoot for your brand. By planning ahead and working with knowledgeable partners, you'll keep things legal, smooth, and stress-free. That said, regulations can update quickly (like the recent CAA drone changes), and specifics vary by location. This guide is for general information only and not a substitute for professional legal advice. Always check the latest official sources or consult experts for your particular project.
Additional Resources
For the most up-to-date official guidance:
City of London – Film and Photography Permissions: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us/filming/film-photography-permissions
Transport for London – Filming and Photography: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/filming-and-photography
UK Civil Aviation Authority – Drones (rules for safe and legal flying): https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/
