Traffic Cops Q & As
Discussion
Some true questions and answers from the public to traffic cops; Some of these are different from the usual SFQs...
Are bull bars illegal?
Q I recently bought a 4 wheel drive vehicle and want to add various methods of body protection to ensure it stays in good condition. This would include ‘A’ bars or ‘bull bars’ to the front of the vehicle. I’ve been told now by several people that ‘bull bars’ are illegal in this country. I want to make sure I stay within the law but also fit the most effective protection for my car. Please can you advise what can and cannot be fitted?
Mike,
A I remember some years back that when the ‘jeep’ type vehicle became popular, various types of accessories were fitted. I also remember that the use of metal Bullbars/A Bars was questioned because of the damage they inflicted if they happened to strike a pedestrian. Before answering your question, I took the liberty of contacting Land Rover UK to see what their stance was. Land Rover informed me that at the time of the public/media interest they, along with other manufacturers, agreed to withdraw the metal frames and replace then with a softer foam based equivalent. The simple answer to your question is that some vehicle accessory retailers do sell the metal based Bullbars/A Bars and they are not illegal however, it is my opinion and that of the vehicle manufacturers, that the newer equivalent is a much better and safer option.
How can I become a traffic cop?
Q I want to be a Traffic cop, can you tell me how I can do this?
Various
A As this seems to be a very popular question, I’ll answer it in general terms. The Traffic department is a specialised department within the Police Service and can only be joined after initially serving as a beat officer. For further information on joining the Police please contact the recruitment departments of the relevant force which you are interested in.
Are taxis allowed to ignore the law?
Q I have 2 questions that others have probably thought of before me but have never asked for clarification, so hopefully you can help.
While driving from Howden to Dedridge or vice versa nearly everyday I have to drive on the wrong side of the road because of the amount of taxis parked outside ASDA(the bit beside the traffic lights next to ASDA’s loading bay just a couple of 100 metres from the Police Station).
Now I’m not certain but I think that area has a double yellow lines are taxis allowed to ignore the law or is it that the police never ever pass them well that cant be true because I see the Police frequently having to drive on the wrong side of the road as well.
Yet they never do anything. As a road tax payer who has been fined for parking on yellow lines why hasn’t? if anything been done to address this problem most drivers already think taxis own the road but now it seems they do.
Another more serious problem however whilst driving at night I was finding myself getting blinded by other road users not all but the cars with the blue tint and mostly newer cars.
I assumed there was a problem with my eyesight but I have been for an eye test and there was no problem although the optician told me that he got a lot of customers who complained of this problem is there a legal requirement that forbids the intensity of lighting on cars.
I assume there is for the MOT but yet there is a problem are the Police doing something about this already and could you tell me if you have had similar problems yourself.
Any reply on these questions would be appreciated thanks.
Thomas Bones, Howden
A Thank you for your questions Thomas.
Firstly, I am aware of the area to which you refer and would like to reassure you that Taxi drivers are just as liable, if not more, to the laws governing our roads.
As you have correctly pointed out, there is a double yellow line system in force on the west side of Almondvale east road which enforces a ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction. (as per the Highway Code, page 79)
Due to a number of complaints from members of the public about the parking problem, initially we tried an education period, however more recently, unfortunately we have had to enforce current legislation in order to impact on the congestion.
Continual monitoring of the area by our patrols should hopefully address the concerns which you have voiced.
In relation to your second point, I am assuming that you are referring to the halogen bulbs fitted, as you correctly stated, to the newer type cars.
Every vehicle and its component parts which are introduced onto the UK’s roads, have to be certified as being fit for use and of a certain safety standard. This process is known as ‘Type Approval’ and is carried out by the Department of Transport. (if you have access to the internet and search under ‘VOSA’ the process is fully explained) .
These bulbs, which tend to show a clear white light with a bluish tinge, will carry an
‘E’ mark which signifies their Type Approval for use on the roads, therefore making them legal. In addition, the light emitted is said to give a clearer and more extended view during the hours of darkness.
There are numerous types of bulbs available which are not approved, however I would not expect them to be in widespread use.
Do policemen prefer the sunshine?
Q Maybe it’s just me, but over the years I have noticed a particularly worrying trend in the way Traffic Police deal with speed traps. In summertime, there are always times when I pass the shirt sleeved officer, standing at the roadside with his radar device at hand.
However, during the winter, rainy and icy days, I have never seen a Traffic Policeman doing the same duty. Surely excessive speed is more dangerous on a wet or icy road? Am I being overly suspicious or do Policemen prefer to pose in the sunshine?
Paul, Dedridge
A Thank you for your question.
As with most occupations, the Police service and its working practices are very much guided by Health and safety regulations.
Whilst I agree that excessive speed can be more dangerous in ‘wet’ and ‘icy’ conditions, I’m sure that you will also agree that the dangers involved in stopping a speeding vehicle on such occasions also greatly enhance the risk to both the officer and the driver. Needless to say, ideally the weather should be fine and dry to carry out such checks.
When the conditions are anything other than ‘fine and dry’, checks can be carried out by the speed detection equipment fitted within the patrol cars.
In relation to your ’do Policemen prefer to pose in the sunshine’ question, don’t we all!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's the ruling on tinted helmet visors?
Q What is the latest ruling on tinted motor cycle helmet visors, I had heard the ‘No tint’ rule was being changed?
Do you not believe that on the right occasion that they are of benefit and quite possibly a requirement when the sun is low and the glare from the road surface could cause temporary blinding to the rider?
Andy, Livingston
A Firstly, I have to admit that I am not a biker and have had to consult with my colleagues in the motorbike section to obtain an answer to your question.
Having looked at the legislation (The Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999) it is very clear when it states that ‘eye protectors(visors)’ must have a certification mark issued to them by an approved body, namely, either the British Standards Institution or an approved body from a member EEA (European Economic Area) state to the conformity assessments equivalent to those undertaken by the British Institution.
In short, if the visor does not have an approval mark either British or EEA state, then it will not be certified as road legal.
I am not aware of any change in the law as regards the tinting of visors and unfortunately cannot express a view on a practice which would be deemed to be illegal.
Should windscreens be defrosted?
Q Why is it that the Police won't stop cars who's windscreens are properlydefrosted ? On numerous occasions I have seen police vehicles passing these cars. Is it not illegal to drive without full vision?
John, Dedridge
A The legislation to which you refer is governed by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and basically states that 'No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if they cannot have proper control of the vehicle or a full view of the road and traffic ahead.
This offence can be attributed to excessively dirty windscreens, however it tends to be most prevalent in adverse weather conditions. I'm sure we can all relate to getting into our cars on a cold frosty morning and finding the front windscreen totally frozen or covered in snow. Given that we're running 5 minutes late, we scrape a plate size circle in the windscreen and tentatively make our way along the road with the heating at full blast in an attempt to clear the rest!! Sound familiar!
I cannot stress enough the importance of taking an extra couple of minutes to ensure you have a completely uninterrupted view. If you can only see the road directly in front of you, the chances are that you will not see the pedestrian trying to cross it.
Taxing question
Q What do I do if I know someone who is driving about with no tax, insurance or MoT?
E, Livingston
A If you have these concerns, you can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.
What's law on script-style number plates
Q I remember reading that changes in the law meant that stylised (different script-style typefaces) registration plates on vehicles were to become unlawful. However, I still see lots of them around and I wonder if that law was never actually passed?
Drew McAdam
A You're perfectly correct in what you say, and just for your own reference, the act which covers registration plates is the 'Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.
There is a lot of legislation contained within this act, however the following information should be used as a guide.
1. The characters must be black.
2. They must be fitted onto reflex-reflecting plates which are white to the front and yellow to the rear.
3. The name, trade mark or others means of ID of the maker should be printed thereon.
4. The number of the British Standard i.e. BSAU 145a must be displayed on the plate. In relation to the style of the characters displayed, they must not fall into the following categories:-
5 In italic script
6. Using a font in which the characters are not vertical
7. Using a font in which the curvature or alignment of the lines of the stroke is substantially different from the prescribed font
8. Using multiple strokes
9. Using a broken stroke
10. In such a way as to make a character or more than one character appear like a different character.
This list may seem never ending, however if you stick to block lettering with the correct spacing on the above plates, you shouldn't go far wrong.
i.e. SK 53 AAA
If you are in any doubt, DVLA have produced a booklet entitled 'Registration Numbers and You' which is available from your nearest Vehicle Registration Office (Broomhouse, Edinburgh), otherwise if you attend at Livingston Police station any member of the Traffic department would be happy to advise you.
Please help me with fog lamp query
Q What's the law on front fog lamps being on all the time ?
Mal, Whitburn
A The law in relation to the use of front fog lamps is very clear and is contained within the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
They state that, when in use, they must not cause 'Undue Dazzle' or 'Discomfort' to other persons using the road. In addition, they must only be lit in conditions of 'Seriously Reduced Visibility'.
Unfortunately, front fog lamps are used at times as a fashion accessory. The danger arises when they are used in clear conditions and the intensity of the light causes other drivers/road users to be dazzled. This results in momentary blindness until the driver is able to re-adjust and focus on the road ahead. My advice would simply be, to be courteous to other road users and use the fog lights only when necessary.
Why does the attitude of some officers come across as plain rude?
Q why is it that if you get stopped the attitude of some officers is just plain rude, even if you have not done anything wrong, especially towards young drivers, they automatically assume you're up to no good. Respect works both ways as far as i am concerned, the police would get a better response from people if this was adopted.
Michelle
A It is a real concern to me that you have been left with this view. You are absolutely correct that people generally react in a negative manner to an officer who is impolite.
It would be easy for me to attempt to rationalise and explain the demands and pressures placed on today's police officer, but there is no excuse for bad manners. I am confident that this is not indicative of all police officers and has merely been ' a good officer on a bad day'.
I think, on occasions we can let ourselves down by dealing with people in a routine manner. Perhaps, if we were to place a greater degree of importance on the needs of the individual, then the expectations of both the Police Service and the public would be met.
What's the ruling on tinted windows?
Q The rulings on tinted windows are not very clear (pardon the pun), I put one of my cars into a local company and told them I wanted them tinted as dark as I could get them although I still wanted them legal, they done nothing to front windscreen, 35% to the front doors,and 20% to the back doors and rear window. I have since found out that this is now classed as illegal under new legislation, I am not a young boy racer I just love to have my cars looking different, could you tell me where I stand ,should I get it all removed in case your boys stop me (hope not as it was expensive) or was the person just winding me up as he cant afford to get them done and my car shows his up.
Buddy H
A The legislation regarding tinted windows is covered by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations of 1986.
Basically, it allows you to have tints on your windows as follows:-
Front Windscreen - 25% tint
Drivers window and Front Passengers window - 30% tint
All other windows - Unlimited
Common sense should prevail and if you have to roll down your window at night because you can't see through the tint, then there is an obvious road safety issue which has to be addressed.
Finally, if you are in any doubt as to the legality of the tint on your windows, please contact the Traffic department at Livingston Police station and we will be happy to test them for you.
What's the position on speed ramps and drugged drivers?
Q dont you think there are a lot of drivers driving while they are taking drugs. My daughter goes to the deans primary school I've noticed the amount of drivers including bus drivers whom speed along the deans south road some one will be killed on this road why not put ramps on this road near the school.
T Smith
A It's been of growing concern with all Scottish forces, the increasing evidence and information provided with regards the misuse of drugs, in particular, their use by motorists whilst driving.
In June 2001, steps were taken to address the issue of detection and Scottish Police Forces introduced Field Impairment Testing. This concept, which was adopted from the American system and was based on their sobriety test,
allowed officers to test drivers suspected of driving whilst impaired through drugs.
The majority of Traffic Officers are now trained to carry out these tests and they will continue to prioritise the detection of people considered to be driving whilst impaired.
If anyone has concerns with regard to individuals, please do not hesitate to contact the free phone Crime Stoppers number.
With regard to your enquiry about 'Speed Ramps', I can only advise you to contact West Lothian Council, Highways Department. They are responsible for the implementation and installation of such traffic calming measures.
This department, in discussion with our Traffic Management section, are advised of any proposed measures and would provide a contribution with regards our concerns.
In the meantime, I will endeavour to have officers carry out speed checks in the area whenever possible.
------------------------------------------------------
Hope that was interesting...
Street
Are bull bars illegal?
Q I recently bought a 4 wheel drive vehicle and want to add various methods of body protection to ensure it stays in good condition. This would include ‘A’ bars or ‘bull bars’ to the front of the vehicle. I’ve been told now by several people that ‘bull bars’ are illegal in this country. I want to make sure I stay within the law but also fit the most effective protection for my car. Please can you advise what can and cannot be fitted?
Mike,
A I remember some years back that when the ‘jeep’ type vehicle became popular, various types of accessories were fitted. I also remember that the use of metal Bullbars/A Bars was questioned because of the damage they inflicted if they happened to strike a pedestrian. Before answering your question, I took the liberty of contacting Land Rover UK to see what their stance was. Land Rover informed me that at the time of the public/media interest they, along with other manufacturers, agreed to withdraw the metal frames and replace then with a softer foam based equivalent. The simple answer to your question is that some vehicle accessory retailers do sell the metal based Bullbars/A Bars and they are not illegal however, it is my opinion and that of the vehicle manufacturers, that the newer equivalent is a much better and safer option.
How can I become a traffic cop?
Q I want to be a Traffic cop, can you tell me how I can do this?
Various
A As this seems to be a very popular question, I’ll answer it in general terms. The Traffic department is a specialised department within the Police Service and can only be joined after initially serving as a beat officer. For further information on joining the Police please contact the recruitment departments of the relevant force which you are interested in.
Are taxis allowed to ignore the law?
Q I have 2 questions that others have probably thought of before me but have never asked for clarification, so hopefully you can help.
While driving from Howden to Dedridge or vice versa nearly everyday I have to drive on the wrong side of the road because of the amount of taxis parked outside ASDA(the bit beside the traffic lights next to ASDA’s loading bay just a couple of 100 metres from the Police Station).
Now I’m not certain but I think that area has a double yellow lines are taxis allowed to ignore the law or is it that the police never ever pass them well that cant be true because I see the Police frequently having to drive on the wrong side of the road as well.
Yet they never do anything. As a road tax payer who has been fined for parking on yellow lines why hasn’t? if anything been done to address this problem most drivers already think taxis own the road but now it seems they do.
Another more serious problem however whilst driving at night I was finding myself getting blinded by other road users not all but the cars with the blue tint and mostly newer cars.
I assumed there was a problem with my eyesight but I have been for an eye test and there was no problem although the optician told me that he got a lot of customers who complained of this problem is there a legal requirement that forbids the intensity of lighting on cars.
I assume there is for the MOT but yet there is a problem are the Police doing something about this already and could you tell me if you have had similar problems yourself.
Any reply on these questions would be appreciated thanks.
Thomas Bones, Howden
A Thank you for your questions Thomas.
Firstly, I am aware of the area to which you refer and would like to reassure you that Taxi drivers are just as liable, if not more, to the laws governing our roads.
As you have correctly pointed out, there is a double yellow line system in force on the west side of Almondvale east road which enforces a ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction. (as per the Highway Code, page 79)
Due to a number of complaints from members of the public about the parking problem, initially we tried an education period, however more recently, unfortunately we have had to enforce current legislation in order to impact on the congestion.
Continual monitoring of the area by our patrols should hopefully address the concerns which you have voiced.
In relation to your second point, I am assuming that you are referring to the halogen bulbs fitted, as you correctly stated, to the newer type cars.
Every vehicle and its component parts which are introduced onto the UK’s roads, have to be certified as being fit for use and of a certain safety standard. This process is known as ‘Type Approval’ and is carried out by the Department of Transport. (if you have access to the internet and search under ‘VOSA’ the process is fully explained) .
These bulbs, which tend to show a clear white light with a bluish tinge, will carry an
‘E’ mark which signifies their Type Approval for use on the roads, therefore making them legal. In addition, the light emitted is said to give a clearer and more extended view during the hours of darkness.
There are numerous types of bulbs available which are not approved, however I would not expect them to be in widespread use.
Do policemen prefer the sunshine?
Q Maybe it’s just me, but over the years I have noticed a particularly worrying trend in the way Traffic Police deal with speed traps. In summertime, there are always times when I pass the shirt sleeved officer, standing at the roadside with his radar device at hand.
However, during the winter, rainy and icy days, I have never seen a Traffic Policeman doing the same duty. Surely excessive speed is more dangerous on a wet or icy road? Am I being overly suspicious or do Policemen prefer to pose in the sunshine?
Paul, Dedridge
A Thank you for your question.
As with most occupations, the Police service and its working practices are very much guided by Health and safety regulations.
Whilst I agree that excessive speed can be more dangerous in ‘wet’ and ‘icy’ conditions, I’m sure that you will also agree that the dangers involved in stopping a speeding vehicle on such occasions also greatly enhance the risk to both the officer and the driver. Needless to say, ideally the weather should be fine and dry to carry out such checks.
When the conditions are anything other than ‘fine and dry’, checks can be carried out by the speed detection equipment fitted within the patrol cars.
In relation to your ’do Policemen prefer to pose in the sunshine’ question, don’t we all!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's the ruling on tinted helmet visors?
Q What is the latest ruling on tinted motor cycle helmet visors, I had heard the ‘No tint’ rule was being changed?
Do you not believe that on the right occasion that they are of benefit and quite possibly a requirement when the sun is low and the glare from the road surface could cause temporary blinding to the rider?
Andy, Livingston
A Firstly, I have to admit that I am not a biker and have had to consult with my colleagues in the motorbike section to obtain an answer to your question.
Having looked at the legislation (The Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999) it is very clear when it states that ‘eye protectors(visors)’ must have a certification mark issued to them by an approved body, namely, either the British Standards Institution or an approved body from a member EEA (European Economic Area) state to the conformity assessments equivalent to those undertaken by the British Institution.
In short, if the visor does not have an approval mark either British or EEA state, then it will not be certified as road legal.
I am not aware of any change in the law as regards the tinting of visors and unfortunately cannot express a view on a practice which would be deemed to be illegal.
Should windscreens be defrosted?
Q Why is it that the Police won't stop cars who's windscreens are properlydefrosted ? On numerous occasions I have seen police vehicles passing these cars. Is it not illegal to drive without full vision?
John, Dedridge
A The legislation to which you refer is governed by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and basically states that 'No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if they cannot have proper control of the vehicle or a full view of the road and traffic ahead.
This offence can be attributed to excessively dirty windscreens, however it tends to be most prevalent in adverse weather conditions. I'm sure we can all relate to getting into our cars on a cold frosty morning and finding the front windscreen totally frozen or covered in snow. Given that we're running 5 minutes late, we scrape a plate size circle in the windscreen and tentatively make our way along the road with the heating at full blast in an attempt to clear the rest!! Sound familiar!
I cannot stress enough the importance of taking an extra couple of minutes to ensure you have a completely uninterrupted view. If you can only see the road directly in front of you, the chances are that you will not see the pedestrian trying to cross it.
Taxing question
Q What do I do if I know someone who is driving about with no tax, insurance or MoT?
E, Livingston
A If you have these concerns, you can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.
What's law on script-style number plates
Q I remember reading that changes in the law meant that stylised (different script-style typefaces) registration plates on vehicles were to become unlawful. However, I still see lots of them around and I wonder if that law was never actually passed?
Drew McAdam
A You're perfectly correct in what you say, and just for your own reference, the act which covers registration plates is the 'Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.
There is a lot of legislation contained within this act, however the following information should be used as a guide.
1. The characters must be black.
2. They must be fitted onto reflex-reflecting plates which are white to the front and yellow to the rear.
3. The name, trade mark or others means of ID of the maker should be printed thereon.
4. The number of the British Standard i.e. BSAU 145a must be displayed on the plate. In relation to the style of the characters displayed, they must not fall into the following categories:-
5 In italic script
6. Using a font in which the characters are not vertical
7. Using a font in which the curvature or alignment of the lines of the stroke is substantially different from the prescribed font
8. Using multiple strokes
9. Using a broken stroke
10. In such a way as to make a character or more than one character appear like a different character.
This list may seem never ending, however if you stick to block lettering with the correct spacing on the above plates, you shouldn't go far wrong.
i.e. SK 53 AAA
If you are in any doubt, DVLA have produced a booklet entitled 'Registration Numbers and You' which is available from your nearest Vehicle Registration Office (Broomhouse, Edinburgh), otherwise if you attend at Livingston Police station any member of the Traffic department would be happy to advise you.
Please help me with fog lamp query
Q What's the law on front fog lamps being on all the time ?
Mal, Whitburn
A The law in relation to the use of front fog lamps is very clear and is contained within the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
They state that, when in use, they must not cause 'Undue Dazzle' or 'Discomfort' to other persons using the road. In addition, they must only be lit in conditions of 'Seriously Reduced Visibility'.
Unfortunately, front fog lamps are used at times as a fashion accessory. The danger arises when they are used in clear conditions and the intensity of the light causes other drivers/road users to be dazzled. This results in momentary blindness until the driver is able to re-adjust and focus on the road ahead. My advice would simply be, to be courteous to other road users and use the fog lights only when necessary.
Why does the attitude of some officers come across as plain rude?
Q why is it that if you get stopped the attitude of some officers is just plain rude, even if you have not done anything wrong, especially towards young drivers, they automatically assume you're up to no good. Respect works both ways as far as i am concerned, the police would get a better response from people if this was adopted.
Michelle
A It is a real concern to me that you have been left with this view. You are absolutely correct that people generally react in a negative manner to an officer who is impolite.
It would be easy for me to attempt to rationalise and explain the demands and pressures placed on today's police officer, but there is no excuse for bad manners. I am confident that this is not indicative of all police officers and has merely been ' a good officer on a bad day'.
I think, on occasions we can let ourselves down by dealing with people in a routine manner. Perhaps, if we were to place a greater degree of importance on the needs of the individual, then the expectations of both the Police Service and the public would be met.
What's the ruling on tinted windows?
Q The rulings on tinted windows are not very clear (pardon the pun), I put one of my cars into a local company and told them I wanted them tinted as dark as I could get them although I still wanted them legal, they done nothing to front windscreen, 35% to the front doors,and 20% to the back doors and rear window. I have since found out that this is now classed as illegal under new legislation, I am not a young boy racer I just love to have my cars looking different, could you tell me where I stand ,should I get it all removed in case your boys stop me (hope not as it was expensive) or was the person just winding me up as he cant afford to get them done and my car shows his up.
Buddy H
A The legislation regarding tinted windows is covered by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations of 1986.
Basically, it allows you to have tints on your windows as follows:-
Front Windscreen - 25% tint
Drivers window and Front Passengers window - 30% tint
All other windows - Unlimited
Common sense should prevail and if you have to roll down your window at night because you can't see through the tint, then there is an obvious road safety issue which has to be addressed.
Finally, if you are in any doubt as to the legality of the tint on your windows, please contact the Traffic department at Livingston Police station and we will be happy to test them for you.
What's the position on speed ramps and drugged drivers?
Q dont you think there are a lot of drivers driving while they are taking drugs. My daughter goes to the deans primary school I've noticed the amount of drivers including bus drivers whom speed along the deans south road some one will be killed on this road why not put ramps on this road near the school.
T Smith
A It's been of growing concern with all Scottish forces, the increasing evidence and information provided with regards the misuse of drugs, in particular, their use by motorists whilst driving.
In June 2001, steps were taken to address the issue of detection and Scottish Police Forces introduced Field Impairment Testing. This concept, which was adopted from the American system and was based on their sobriety test,
allowed officers to test drivers suspected of driving whilst impaired through drugs.
The majority of Traffic Officers are now trained to carry out these tests and they will continue to prioritise the detection of people considered to be driving whilst impaired.
If anyone has concerns with regard to individuals, please do not hesitate to contact the free phone Crime Stoppers number.
With regard to your enquiry about 'Speed Ramps', I can only advise you to contact West Lothian Council, Highways Department. They are responsible for the implementation and installation of such traffic calming measures.
This department, in discussion with our Traffic Management section, are advised of any proposed measures and would provide a contribution with regards our concerns.
In the meantime, I will endeavour to have officers carry out speed checks in the area whenever possible.
------------------------------------------------------
Hope that was interesting...
Street
Streetcop said:
very pertinent to you then....
Naaah don't have a jeep, or brighter lights, or tinted windows, so only the bits about driving past ASDA rings a bell...
On the subject of rude cops, I was walking home one night and I saw a maxxed-up nova being stopped just in front of me, by a trafpol car. As I walked past, trafpol greeted the young driver with the words "Good evening young sir, your driving is very impressive, but I thought that the German Grand Prix wasn't until tomorrow, and was more likely to be held in Germany".
Driver responded with "What do you mean like?"
I had passed out of earshot by the time Trafpol replied... but I coud tell from the tone that it was no less sarcastic.
I suppose from the drivers point of view it could be seen as rude. Brightens up a dull day though...
tvrgit said:
On the subject of rude cops, I was walking home one night and I saw a maxxed-up nova being stopped just in front of me, by a trafpol car. As I walked past, trafpol greeted the young driver with the words "Good evening young sir, your driving is very impressive, but I thought that the German Grand Prix wasn't until tomorrow, and was more likely to be held in Germany".
Driver responded with "What do you mean like?"
I had passed out of earshot by the time Trafpol replied... but I coud tell from the tone that it was no less sarcastic.
While it may be sarcastic it at least has a humorous quality that I would find preferable to an immediately heavy handed approach. That may come later, though hopefully not.
In my case I think it unlikely that I would be greeted with the words 'Good evening young sir'. It's more likely to be 'Ah now we've got you at last, you old tearaway'.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Mr Blinded said:
Another more serious problem however whilst driving at night I was finding myself getting blinded by other road users not all but the cars with the blue tint and mostly newer cars.
I think he's refering to cars with xenon bulbs here, not halogens. They are a lot brighter and because you can't adjust the angle (like you can with non-xenon bulbs) and they have a definite cutoff between light and dark (thus needing them to be aimed a bit higher than halogen bulbs), you can end up dazzling people in certain situations. "Tough" is the answer in this case.
Some of those questions are a bit NIMBYesque aren't they??
>> Edited by john_p on Sunday 26th September 23:01
tvrgit said:
for avoidance of doubt, I wasn't criticising the trafpol in my wee story - I thought it was superb!
No, I didn't think you were criticising the Trafpol, and I'm certainly not. As an introduction to the discussions I thought it was splendid. I was going to say 'fine', but I get a bit jumpy about that word in certain contexts so 'splendid' is more suitable.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Streetcop said:
Q dont you think there are a lot of drivers driving while they are taking drugs. My daughter goes to the deans primary school I've noticed the amount of drivers including bus drivers whom speed along the deans south road some one will be killed on this road why not put ramps on this road near the school.
What sort of person would write this tosh? Does he/she know that drivers are taking drugs. Does he/she witness someone getting smacked up then jumping in a car and roaring off, or are they just making assumptions?
Do they then assume that every car or bus is speeding or are they like one person who claimed that drivers in thier street were doing 60 mph. It was pointed out that they lived in a cul-de-sac and 60mph would be impossible. 60mph was then dropped to - they drive rediculously fast.
I may be getting the wrong end of the stick here, but I believe we have a serious problem of numptyitiss.
I remember about 20 years ago when I worked for the council there - the chairman of the community council or residents association or something like that wrote to the council about speeding drivers on that road.
We (the council) asked the cops to have a look - which they did, with their friend the hand-held radar. They did indeed find that a number of drivers were speeding, although they only stopped the worst offenders. One of them was... aww you're way ahead of me here aintcha?
We (the council) asked the cops to have a look - which they did, with their friend the hand-held radar. They did indeed find that a number of drivers were speeding, although they only stopped the worst offenders. One of them was... aww you're way ahead of me here aintcha?
john_p said:
I think he's refering to cars with xenon bulbs here, not halogens. They are a lot brighter and because you can't adjust the angle (like you can with non-xenon bulbs) and they have a definite cutoff between light and dark (thus needing them to be aimed a bit higher than halogen bulbs), you can end up dazzling people in certain situations. "Tough" is the answer in this case.
Some of those questions are a bit NIMBYesque aren't they??
>> Edited by john_p on Sunday 26th September 23:01
I was under the impression that cars with Xenon bulbs were required to (a) have headlamp washers and (b) be adjustable for angle. Or is that just an Audi thing, not a real rule?
Expanding on the subject of 'can I grass up people with no tax / insurance etc.', local to my home there is a corner shop, with double yellow lines outside it to prevent people from parking there. The problem is, people still park there, and it means that anyone trying to pull out of the side road that forms the corner, often cannot see whether it is safe to do so. Doubtless this is why the yellow lines are there. Sometimes there is a very refreshing and welcome sight - a couple of police officers handing out parking advice in a 'get that moved' kind of way, but more often than not there is nothing.
As there is a phone line to report people who you believe are committing a crime, wouldn't it be nice if I could take photos of these a-holes with my phone and email them in to have action taken, even if it's only a warning?
I don't want to become a vigilante or walk up and down with a placard, but the shop has a car park that people can't be bothered using, and in many cases these are people who live on the local estate and could walk to the shop in a couple of minutes.
As there is a phone line to report people who you believe are committing a crime, wouldn't it be nice if I could take photos of these a-holes with my phone and email them in to have action taken, even if it's only a warning?
I don't want to become a vigilante or walk up and down with a placard, but the shop has a car park that people can't be bothered using, and in many cases these are people who live on the local estate and could walk to the shop in a couple of minutes.
droopsnoot said:
I was under the impression that cars with Xenon bulbs were required to (a) have headlamp washers and (b) be adjustable for angle. Or is that just an Audi thing, not a real rule?
The adjustable angle is actually done as self-levelling - so when you drive the car, ride height sensors on the suspension ensure the xenon beam is always at the same angle. This has two drawbacks
a) On cars with stiff suspension the levelling system can't keep up with the movement of the car
b) You can't manually adjust the level within the car so you can't "turn down" the beams if it looks like you're going to be blinding people
Streetcop said:
Are taxis allowed to ignore the law?
.......the amount of taxis parked outside ASDA......... that area has a double yellow lines ..... Answer - there is a double yellow line system in force on the west side of Almondvale east road which enforces a ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction. (as per the Highway Code, page 79)
Playing Devils advocate here. If a cab is queueing to get onto a rank and a) has the engine running, b) has not applied the handbrake, surely the driver is simply in a traffic jam rather than illegally parked?
Agreed that he is possibly obstructing the highway, but surely not parked. I am thinking of all the long queues outside supermarkets etc at around christmas time.
What next - tickets for everyone waiting at a level crossing?!
Steve
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