Lockdown 2 - Can the police stop you to check if essential?
Discussion
This happened to me during lockdown 1 - there was a checkpoint and they were asking all drivers if their journey was essential. I was told that this was an illegal stop, and I have no reason to doubt that.
My question now is - has anything changed? Are there any new laws specific to lockdown that mean the police can stop you to ask you about why you're in your car?
My question now is - has anything changed? Are there any new laws specific to lockdown that mean the police can stop you to ask you about why you're in your car?
The fact that i've just been issued a letter from my CEO informing anyone that i'm travelling for his business makes me thing that perhaps you will.
As a business, we were challenged many many times in lockdown 1. I don;t expect the same level of inspection during lockdown 2:the reckoning...
As a business, we were challenged many many times in lockdown 1. I don;t expect the same level of inspection during lockdown 2:the reckoning...
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/pdfs...
Sections 5 and 6 are your friend.
"I am travelling to [location] for [reason] pursuant to section, subsection, line, etc etc"
Sections 5 and 6 are your friend.
"I am travelling to [location] for [reason] pursuant to section, subsection, line, etc etc"
omniflow said:
This happened to me during lockdown 1 - there was a checkpoint and they were asking all drivers if their journey was essential. I was told that this was an illegal stop, and I have no reason to doubt that.
My question now is - has anything changed? Are there any new laws specific to lockdown that mean the police can stop you to ask you about why you're in your car?
Why would you believe what someone told you but not believe what the police and govt. tell you.My question now is - has anything changed? Are there any new laws specific to lockdown that mean the police can stop you to ask you about why you're in your car?
Was it a lawyer?
Rushjob said:
Stop and account - you can be stopped and asked to account for your current actions yes the police can stop you.
The specific act of stopping me to ask if my journey was essential has been highlighted as an illegal act by someone qualified to make that judgement. Therefore, my question is - is that specific act still illegal or have one or more new laws been introduced that means it is now legal.omniflow said:
Rushjob said:
Stop and account - you can be stopped and asked to account for your current actions yes the police can stop you.
The specific act of stopping me to ask if my journey was essential has been highlighted as an illegal act by someone qualified to make that judgement. Therefore, my question is - is that specific act still illegal or have one or more new laws been introduced that means it is now legal.Alternatively don't be an a
hole and don't make people's jobs difficult when you don't have to.And how do you decide someone is qualified to make that judgement, unless they're a judge and it is being tested in court?
omniflow said:
The specific act of stopping me to ask if my journey was essential has been highlighted as an illegal act by someone qualified to make that judgement. Therefore, my question is - is that specific act still illegal or have one or more new laws been introduced that means it is now legal.
The police can pull you for any reason, and that's been the case long before coronapanic.https://www.gov.uk/stopped-by-police-while-driving...
sociopath said:
Just tell them you're a freeman of the land as you drive past, I'm sure that'll be fine.
Alternatively don't be an ahole and don't make people's jobs difficult when you don't have to.
And how do you decide someone is qualified to make that judgement, unless they're a judge and it is being tested in court?
What makes you think I'm being an aAlternatively don't be an a
hole and don't make people's jobs difficult when you don't have to.And how do you decide someone is qualified to make that judgement, unless they're a judge and it is being tested in court?
hole? You know absolutely zero about my personal circumstances, my reason for asking the question or my intentions, but you've already judged me - I think I know who the ahole is in this context.Section 163 Road Traffic Act
163Power of police to stop vehicles.
(1)A person driving a [F1mechanically propelled vehicle] on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F2or a traffic officer].
(2)A person riding a cycle on a road must stop the cycle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F3or a traffic officer].
(3)If a person fails to comply with this section he is guilty of an offence.
No reason needs to be given for the stop. If the officer also want to check your journey is within the current CV-19 restrictions then they can.
163Power of police to stop vehicles.
(1)A person driving a [F1mechanically propelled vehicle] on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F2or a traffic officer].
(2)A person riding a cycle on a road must stop the cycle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F3or a traffic officer].
(3)If a person fails to comply with this section he is guilty of an offence.
No reason needs to be given for the stop. If the officer also want to check your journey is within the current CV-19 restrictions then they can.
Sam.M said:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1200/pdfs...
Sections 5 and 6 are your friend.
"I am travelling to [location] for [reason] pursuant to section, subsection, line, etc etc"
Thanks for that - very interesting.Sections 5 and 6 are your friend.
"I am travelling to [location] for [reason] pursuant to section, subsection, line, etc etc"
I am definitely not a lawyer, but the list of exceptions is somewhat extensive.
Sam.M said:
so any reason apart from "im wandering around for no reason"
HantsRat said:
Section 163 Road Traffic Act
163Power of police to stop vehicles.
(1)A person driving a [F1mechanically propelled vehicle] on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F2or a traffic officer].
(2)A person riding a cycle on a road must stop the cycle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F3or a traffic officer].
(3)If a person fails to comply with this section he is guilty of an offence.
No reason needs to be given for the stop. If the officer also want to check your journey is within the current CV-19 restrictions then they can.
No reason needs to be given for the stop - I understand that bit and accept that it is correct163Power of police to stop vehicles.
(1)A person driving a [F1mechanically propelled vehicle] on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F2or a traffic officer].
(2)A person riding a cycle on a road must stop the cycle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform [F3or a traffic officer].
(3)If a person fails to comply with this section he is guilty of an offence.
No reason needs to be given for the stop. If the officer also want to check your journey is within the current CV-19 restrictions then they can.
If the officer also want to check your journey is within the current CV-19 restrictions then they can - This is the bit that I'm seeking clarity on. Under the road traffic act the police officer can ask your name and to see driving licence, MOT and Insurance.
sociopath said:
Just tell them you're a freeman of the land as you drive past, I'm sure that'll be fine.
Alternatively don't be an ahole and don't make people's jobs difficult when you don't have to.
And how do you decide someone is qualified to make that judgement, unless they're a judge and it is being tested in court?
This is the attitude I don't like.Alternatively don't be an a
hole and don't make people's jobs difficult when you don't have to.And how do you decide someone is qualified to make that judgement, unless they're a judge and it is being tested in court?
Why are you out of your house?
I'm visiting Acacia avenue.
You can't do that.
Why not?
It's illegal.
No it isn't.
Well it should be.
But it isn't.
Well it makes it harder for me to do my job so I'll stop you anyway.
What is your job?
Stopping people going to Acacia avenue.
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