BiB Advice Please - Long Post
Discussion
I would be gratefull for advice on the following matter. I'm sure it's something the Bibs come across regularly.
I live on a residential road close to a busy town centre. Quite regularly, drivers use our road as a shortcut to avoid the gridlock on the main entry into town. It's something that we have got used to and accept as a consequence of choosing to live near the town centre. It doesn't cause anything other than mild annoyance and on the odd occasion I see someone driving badly I just roll my eyes and get on with my life. However, over the last six months I have been repeatedly recklessly overtaken by the same driver. Each time it has happened at the same time of day (9:15 am)and each time it has caused me to brake as he cuts back in and has also caused oncoming vehicles to brake. He travels at well in excess of the 30mph limit and progresses down the road swerving round parked vehicles and overtaking everything in sight. The first time it happened I just rolled my eyes. By the third time I had got seriously annoyed. I phoned my local police station to ask if anything could be done, on the advice of the civillian operator I wrote to the local "Road Policing Unit" giving details of the car, reg number, description of the driver, time and dates etc. I though very arefully before writing the letter, I didn't want to be a "NIMBY" and as a life long Petrol Head I can't claim never to have broken a speed limit or driven recklessly in my youth. However, I judged that this driver regarded this as a normal method of making progress and was consistantly treating residential areas like a race track.
I received a prompt response to my letter from a TrafPol Sergeant that left me a bit gobsmacked. The reply was polite and curt, basically imforming me that my road was not on their priority list and that they could take no action against the driver as a prosecution for excess speed requires belief of speed plus corroboration etc. Sorry can't help etc.
I was miffed but I just let the matter go. This all happened about six months ago, However, this morning at 9:15 am, I got overtaken again, same car, same driver, same reckless manner and yes I had to brake to let him back in as did the oncoming car.
I am now at a loss as how to pursue this further. My first thoughts are to write to the TrafPol Sergeant again, however, is there anything I can do to make sure the matter is treated more seriously, I suspect my letter is likely to be treated in the same way again. My other alternative is to follow the driver into town and take the matter up with him directly, however, I really don't want to make this a personal issue.
I would be grateful for any advice.
Cheers.
pp
I live on a residential road close to a busy town centre. Quite regularly, drivers use our road as a shortcut to avoid the gridlock on the main entry into town. It's something that we have got used to and accept as a consequence of choosing to live near the town centre. It doesn't cause anything other than mild annoyance and on the odd occasion I see someone driving badly I just roll my eyes and get on with my life. However, over the last six months I have been repeatedly recklessly overtaken by the same driver. Each time it has happened at the same time of day (9:15 am)and each time it has caused me to brake as he cuts back in and has also caused oncoming vehicles to brake. He travels at well in excess of the 30mph limit and progresses down the road swerving round parked vehicles and overtaking everything in sight. The first time it happened I just rolled my eyes. By the third time I had got seriously annoyed. I phoned my local police station to ask if anything could be done, on the advice of the civillian operator I wrote to the local "Road Policing Unit" giving details of the car, reg number, description of the driver, time and dates etc. I though very arefully before writing the letter, I didn't want to be a "NIMBY" and as a life long Petrol Head I can't claim never to have broken a speed limit or driven recklessly in my youth. However, I judged that this driver regarded this as a normal method of making progress and was consistantly treating residential areas like a race track.
I received a prompt response to my letter from a TrafPol Sergeant that left me a bit gobsmacked. The reply was polite and curt, basically imforming me that my road was not on their priority list and that they could take no action against the driver as a prosecution for excess speed requires belief of speed plus corroboration etc. Sorry can't help etc.
I was miffed but I just let the matter go. This all happened about six months ago, However, this morning at 9:15 am, I got overtaken again, same car, same driver, same reckless manner and yes I had to brake to let him back in as did the oncoming car.
I am now at a loss as how to pursue this further. My first thoughts are to write to the TrafPol Sergeant again, however, is there anything I can do to make sure the matter is treated more seriously, I suspect my letter is likely to be treated in the same way again. My other alternative is to follow the driver into town and take the matter up with him directly, however, I really don't want to make this a personal issue.
I would be grateful for any advice.
Cheers.
pp
if its corroboration theyre after have you got a couple of neighbours who feel the same way? could they write as well?
Ill be following this thread with interest as im in the same boat. i havent got a problem with people driving up and down 'my' road in excess of the limit, but the guy on the motorbike who hammers up and down flat out in third (600cc bike - maybe 80ish mph?) is really taking the piss.
Ill be following this thread with interest as im in the same boat. i havent got a problem with people driving up and down 'my' road in excess of the limit, but the guy on the motorbike who hammers up and down flat out in third (600cc bike - maybe 80ish mph?) is really taking the piss.
paolow said:
if its corroboration theyre after have you got a couple of neighbours who feel the same way? could they write as well?
That is where I would be going with this one, and not just on the speed issue either.
Sounds more like a case of "driving which is significantly below the standard expected of a reasonable, prudent and competent driver" Get that in your letters.
You know if plod refuse to do anything about it you can bring or threaten to bring a prosecution yourself should you feel strongly enough.
Hold on!
This will a very similar scenario to when I was hauled up to my local police station to conduct a taped interview after i was accused of dangerous driving by an MOP after he made a statement about me at his local police station.
They took it bloody seriously beleive me! :
Ask them if you can make a statement - Hope you get some action.
Cheers,
Steve
This will a very similar scenario to when I was hauled up to my local police station to conduct a taped interview after i was accused of dangerous driving by an MOP after he made a statement about me at his local police station.
They took it bloody seriously beleive me! :
Ask them if you can make a statement - Hope you get some action.
Cheers,
Steve
Visit your local Plod shop, ask to see no less than the Duty Inspector, outline your problem/compliant, apparent lack of action and if not satisfied with the response then lodge an official complaint.
If the new "rat run" from discussion with your neighbours is causing a problem then approach LA Traffic Management Dept who may be able to come up with a traffic calming solution.
DVD
If the new "rat run" from discussion with your neighbours is causing a problem then approach LA Traffic Management Dept who may be able to come up with a traffic calming solution.
DVD
My Advice:
Make a log of the incidents that have happened so far, including your letter and the Road Policing Sergeants reply.
Now; find out who is the head of Road Policing for that area; should be of rank of Superintendant. Write a letter to them; marked "personal for". Again explain the situation and although you appreciate the fact that your road isn't a 'target' road and that nothing can be done regarding past incident, you would like the driver spoken to. Either by a police officer being on the road at that particular time; or if someone could attend at the registered keeper's home.
Explain that you are willing to provide any statements that are required and would be prepared to attend court, should any prosecution occur.
Go on to explain the potential for confrontation between you and this driver should no action be taken by the police, as you feel the driver is constantly putting your life and others in danger. In addition, should any incident occur in the future, you would be considering contacting the local press regarding the lack of assistance from the police in this road safety matter.
Now.
From the view of the police; it's very difficult to sort out these sort of things. Stuff that's happened in the past, you can forget about; ie: nothing can be done. As for the future; if I personally was given the letter by my sergeant, I would attempt to find a free morning where I could wait up (preferably in the plain car) and see if I could witness/video any 'dodgy' driving by this individual.
You also have to appreciate that the government don't seem to feel physical police time is well spent on road policing matters, hence the reduction by 65% of trafpol numbers throughout the UK. Consequently, most trafpol depts have only a handful of officers to patrol their districts. Add fatal enquiries; patrolling KSI roads etc...leaves very little 'down time' to complete little projects; like sorting this little insect out who is causing you distress....
Let me know how you get on..
Regards
Gareth
Make a log of the incidents that have happened so far, including your letter and the Road Policing Sergeants reply.
Now; find out who is the head of Road Policing for that area; should be of rank of Superintendant. Write a letter to them; marked "personal for". Again explain the situation and although you appreciate the fact that your road isn't a 'target' road and that nothing can be done regarding past incident, you would like the driver spoken to. Either by a police officer being on the road at that particular time; or if someone could attend at the registered keeper's home.
Explain that you are willing to provide any statements that are required and would be prepared to attend court, should any prosecution occur.
Go on to explain the potential for confrontation between you and this driver should no action be taken by the police, as you feel the driver is constantly putting your life and others in danger. In addition, should any incident occur in the future, you would be considering contacting the local press regarding the lack of assistance from the police in this road safety matter.
Now.
From the view of the police; it's very difficult to sort out these sort of things. Stuff that's happened in the past, you can forget about; ie: nothing can be done. As for the future; if I personally was given the letter by my sergeant, I would attempt to find a free morning where I could wait up (preferably in the plain car) and see if I could witness/video any 'dodgy' driving by this individual.
You also have to appreciate that the government don't seem to feel physical police time is well spent on road policing matters, hence the reduction by 65% of trafpol numbers throughout the UK. Consequently, most trafpol depts have only a handful of officers to patrol their districts. Add fatal enquiries; patrolling KSI roads etc...leaves very little 'down time' to complete little projects; like sorting this little insect out who is causing you distress....
Let me know how you get on..
Regards
Gareth
Pickled Piper said:
Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to pen a letter to the "Top Man" as per StreetCops advice.
I'll let you know how I get on.
The 'top man' wont exactly do anything personally, but he/she will just put a two line message at the bottom of your letter and put it in the Sergeants tray.....
The Sergeant will then either pass it out at briefing or give it to a BiB personally...
An update and some questions.
I sent a letter to the local Chief Super incorporating all of the points advised by StreetCop. I didn't include the point about informing the local press, as I judged this to be a little too strong at this stage.
I received a reply today from the TrafPol Sergeant that initially wrote to me. It advises that one of his Officers will be visiting the registered keeper at his home in order to advise him of my concerns relating to his driving. He also advises that due to the uncorroborated nature of my allegations this will not result in a prosectution. He goes on to state that that it is my word against his etc. and then refers me to his original letter.
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pleased that TrafPol are taking some action. I have some questions though for the BIBs and perhaps others that have been on the receiving end of a visit;
What is actually said during the visit?
Are the Bib likely to give him my name and address?
Does the visit normaly have the desired effect?
pp
>> Edited by Pickled Piper on Friday 4th February 13:19
I sent a letter to the local Chief Super incorporating all of the points advised by StreetCop. I didn't include the point about informing the local press, as I judged this to be a little too strong at this stage.
I received a reply today from the TrafPol Sergeant that initially wrote to me. It advises that one of his Officers will be visiting the registered keeper at his home in order to advise him of my concerns relating to his driving. He also advises that due to the uncorroborated nature of my allegations this will not result in a prosectution. He goes on to state that that it is my word against his etc. and then refers me to his original letter.
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pleased that TrafPol are taking some action. I have some questions though for the BIBs and perhaps others that have been on the receiving end of a visit;
What is actually said during the visit?
Are the Bib likely to give him my name and address?
Does the visit normaly have the desired effect?
pp
>> Edited by Pickled Piper on Friday 4th February 13:19
Pickled Piper said:
Are the Bib likely to give him my name and address?
Does the visit normaly have the desired effect?
pp
Visit SHOULD have desired effect..(often does)..
They BiB WONT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES give the driver your name and address..
Even if you went to court against him...you address wouldn't be divulged..
Dont worry about that mate...
Hopefully the situation will now be resolved..
Take care,
Gary
Pickled Piper said:
An update and some questions.
I sent a letter to the local Chief Super incorporating all of the points advised by StreetCop. I didn't include the point about informing the local press, as I judged this to be a little too strong at this stage.
I received a reply today from the TrafPol Sergeant that initially wrote to me. It advises that one of his Officers will be visiting the registered keeper at his home in order to advise him of my concerns relating to his driving. He also advises that due to the uncorroborated nature of my allegations this will not result in a prosectution. He goes on to state that that it is my word against his etc. and then refers me to his original letter.
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pleased that TrafPol are taking some action. I have some questions though for the BIBs and perhaps others that have been on the receiving end of a visit;
What is actually said during the visit?
Are the Bib likely to give him my name and address?
Does the visit normaly have the desired effect?
pp
>> Edited by Pickled Piper on Friday 4th February 13:19
Picture the guy enjoying his evening cup of tea when his better half comes in to the room to tell him there is a policeman at the to talk to him about his driving....
No so far from the truth..
I just had a visit from two Trafpol Officers regarding this matter. They had just been to the registered keepers house. The young lad that I had described had answered the door, the car was parked in the driveway. Apparently, the young lad claimed the registered keeper was his Uncle and that he never actually drove the car. The Trafpol Officer told me that it was obvious from the Lad's body language that it was him. They advised him that if they saw him (or his Uncle!) driving badly they would film him from their unmarked car and take him to court for Dangerous Driving. They were satisfied that the message had got through.
I couldn't have asked for a better response. I have to say the two TrafPol Officers were big guys, they would certainly have put the fear of God into me had I been on the receiving end of the visit.
pp
I just had a visit from two Trafpol Officers regarding this matter. They had just been to the registered keepers house. The young lad that I had described had answered the door, the car was parked in the driveway. Apparently, the young lad claimed the registered keeper was his Uncle and that he never actually drove the car. The Trafpol Officer told me that it was obvious from the Lad's body language that it was him. They advised him that if they saw him (or his Uncle!) driving badly they would film him from their unmarked car and take him to court for Dangerous Driving. They were satisfied that the message had got through.
I couldn't have asked for a better response. I have to say the two TrafPol Officers were big guys, they would certainly have put the fear of God into me had I been on the receiving end of the visit.
pp
gtr-gaz said:
Hopefully the lad will behave himself now.
I think the police were obliged to take some action.
Can you imagine what would have happened if they had'nt and the young lad was involved in a serious accident, or worse still killed a pedestrian!
There would have been all hell to pay!
You think
Nah...no way on this earth. There are complaints about bad driving constantly. However, they can only be dealt with if caught.
Even now...after the 'warning' from the police...if the guy goes on to kill someone...nothing can really prevent that...
Hell to pay...? On TV or in the papers...where they like to whip up public hysteria..
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