Do most airports, even ones owned by councils/governments, not have specific by-laws applicable to them, meaning that even if they are "publically owned land" then there is still a right for them to be specifically singled out for different rules? I know at EDI the local by-laws applying to the airport are posted at the foot of most gate stairwells under the titled "welcome to Edinburgh Airport".
That said, I personally rarely take photos on the ramp. In Russia (VVO) and Belarus (MSQ) there were big signs in the terminal saying not to take photos out of the window overlooking the apron/ramp. I got told off in Minsk for taking a picture of a TU154 I saw taxiing past. Yet in other parts of Europe I've never had a problem. In HAV and FNJ I was practically forced TO take photos by the ground staff.