A new low for the scottish plod

[bi9_jk]

Imagine a day like every other day in a city suburb outside a university.
Napier in edinburgh.
Parking restrictions in the car park so everyone without a permit has to park in the local area.

Road going along the front of the grounds, no cars parked on the near side and on the far side cars parked on what i belive to be double yellows. Very wide road, cars park there every day, causes no problems to people using the road.

Durin the day, see plod car sitting hovering around the 10 or so cars parked at the opposite side of the road.
1 hour later come out, 3 flat bed pickups towing the cars away, blocking the whole street and causing chaos at one of the main arteries leading into the city.
Find out plod are breaking into them to release the handbrake, all cars removed, from the side of the road and impounded, apparent 150 release fee.

How sick is that, taking the cars away from people who really dont have much money, students, mainly students who come from all around scotland, how are they going to get home, thinking also about all the loans and grants out of taxpayers money most but not all (ie. Me) get. You know where this money is ending up, with the pickup company.

Makes me sick!!

I have no idea how this is legal, opening lockfast place, unreasonable action, theft ie. appropriation, clamping is theft in scotland so how do they get away with this, if they damamge the cars while breaking in, who pays?

[vonhosen]

Don't park illegally ?

Why should it being a student make any difference to the action at all ?
If the action is warranted that has no bearing on it.

Edited by vonhosen on Saturday 11th November 00:43

[telecat]

If the road is wide why are there Double yellows is the first ask? Secondly why not ticket in the first instance? Thirdly why do the Scottish police think they need A "Nazi-Style" uniform. It's "easier to clean" doesn't really wash(!!!!!)

[gently bentley]

bi9_jk said:

Imagine a day like every other day in a city suburb outside a university.
Napier in edinburgh.
Parking restrictions in the car park so everyone without a permit has to park in the local area.

Road going along the front of the grounds, no cars parked on the near side and on the far side cars parked on what i belive to be double yellows. Very wide road, cars park there every day, causes no problems to people using the road.

Durin the day, see plod car sitting hovering around the 10 or so cars parked at the opposite side of the road.
1 hour later come out, 3 flat bed pickups towing the cars away, blocking the whole street and causing chaos at one of the main arteries leading into the city.
Find out plod are breaking into them to release the handbrake, all cars removed, from the side of the road and impounded, apparent 150 release fee.

How sick is that, taking the cars away from people who really dont have much money, students, mainly students who come from all around scotland, how are they going to get home, thinking also about all the loans and grants out of taxpayers money most but not all (ie. Me) get. You know where this money is ending up, with the pickup company.

Makes me sick!!

I have no idea how this is legal, opening lockfast place, unreasonable action, theft ie. appropriation, clamping is theft in scotland so how do they get away with this, if they damamge the cars while breaking in, who pays?

I find this all a bit strange. For starters clamping in Scotland is extortion and not theft. this has been through the High Court and is enshrined in case law. They are very different crimes altogether.

Second. Parking offences in Scotland were decriminilised a good few years back and the police have no jurisdiction over double yellows etc. That duty has been handed over to parking wardens who are employed by the local council. This is the case in Edinburgh. Thats why you now have Blue Meanies. Bibs cannot issue parking tickets or lift cars. They can be asked to attend during a car lift to ensure there is no disruption to the peace but the are not allowed by law to assist or take any part in the removal of the vehicle.

I wonder what you have seen. Possibly unnecessary obstruction under RTA 1988? I doubt it by what you have said. Forcing enrty to a car under Scots law requires a warrant signed by a Sheriff in connection with a crime such as MDA 1971, for example in any case.

If a car is being taken as evidence then a full lift will be done. There is never any occassion (unless a warrant has been obtained) that the police in Scotland can force open a car unless its to immeadiatly effect an arrest of a person/s who are posing a danger to the public.

Also the release fee. I have never heard of it being £150 unless the owner of the car has turned up late and incurred storage charges.

The pounds are operated by the council and staffed by the council. The recovery fee is £105 + £30 for the ticket. All documentation is embossed with the council logo again the police play no part.

The only part the police do play is they are notified by the council via PNC that a car has been lifted and its location. This is obviously so a mop does not report a car stolen to the police when it has in fact been lifted by the council.

The police do not provide the council with details of the registered keeper.

Any disputes re tickets or fines are heard by a JP who sits in the civil court. The police in Scotland do not deal with civil law.

The police are on occassion involved in joint operations with the council who decide to have a parking blitz but these are few and far between and as stated the police are only there to ensure council staff are not assaulted.

So I wonder what you saw. Possible the biggest breach of the law by police in Scotland ever? or an operation backed by a Sheriff that you have misinterpreted that involves a large scale crime?

The pick up company are contracted by the council by the way. They get a cut per car lifted and the council get the rest. None of the money goes to the police or road safety.

I wonder what you saw. Fascinating. Did you see the police breaking into the cars or has somebody just told you this?

[gently bentley]

telecat said:

If the road is wide why are there Double yellows is the first ask? Secondly why not ticket in the first instance? Thirdly why do the Scottish police think they need A "Nazi-Style" uniform. It's "easier to clean" doesn't really wash(!!!!!)

You are obviousle entitled to make your point which I respect but to use the Nazi jibe is insulting and I take great offence to that. I have been a police officer in Scotland for 14 years and I am certainly not a Nazi. I think thats shocking.

Today I helped a family who lost a 3 year old child (died) thats my days work. I try my best as do the overwelming majority of my scottish counterparts. I do not accept Scotish Police ans Nazi belong in the same phrase.

I hope others will join me in lambasting you for that highly offensive comment.

[chrispy porker]

Typical of some of the cheap shots you get round here, I bet he wouldn't call you it to your face.

[telecat]

gently bentley said:

telecat said:

If the road is wide why are there Double yellows is the first ask? Secondly why not ticket in the first instance? Thirdly why do the Scottish police think they need A "Nazi-Style" uniform. It's "easier to clean" doesn't really wash(!!!!!)

You are obviously entitled to make your point which I respect but to use the Nazi jibe is insulting and I take great offence to that. I have been a police officer in Scotland for 14 years and I am certainly not a Nazi. I think that's shocking.

Today I helped a family who lost a 3 year old child (died) that's my days work. I try my best as do the overwhelming majority of my Scottish counterparts. I do not accept Scottish Police ans Nazi belong in the same phrase.

I hope others will join me in lambasting you for that highly offensive comment.

Re-read and stop trolling!!! I asked why the UNIFORM was "nazi-STYLE". It's not a good look for a British Police force/service and should be reviewed. A large section of the traditional supporters of the Police have already been lost due to the actions of Senior management and this looks like another PR mistake.

Edited by telecat on Saturday 11th November 09:27

[tvrgit]

telecat said:

Re-read and stop trolling!!!

Go and look up what a "troll" is in internet forums. Then consider who, on this thread, comes closest to that description. Then STFU.

[gshughes]

If you ask me people that are stupid and lazy enough to park on double yellow lines even if it is in their opinion causing no obstruction can't complain if they get a ticket. I know the area, it is usually possible to park for free a few hundred yards away, walking that far won't kill you.

[gently bentley]

No I am going to take issue on this. There is no need for the Nazi comparison. The uniform is not Nazi style either. The implication of your post is unfair to say the least.

I studied military history whilst in the army. I can tell you that the Scottish police uniform of black peaked hat with Stillitoe tartan band and thistle of Scotland with Scottish crown in no way resembles the head dress of Nazi soldiers. The Nazis did not wear black polo shirts with a police logo on them or black raincoats with police logo. They did not wear black trousers with a map pocket either.

In fact the uniform that is worn by the police in Scotland changed from the traditional white shirt black tie and tunic circa 1995 to a more practical one. This change came about after research carried out by public bodies and in conjunction with the joint police board (made up of mops) The uniform was accepted by the public and authorised by a cross party comittee of polititians from as the name suggests is cross party.

I see no comparison between that uniform and the one worn by Nazi criminals. To compare the two as I said earlier is highly insulting.

You could have said that police uniforms in Scotland are becoming more military looking in style which I would say is a valid point but you chose 'Nazi' which is sinister and I take it as an educated person you knew would stirr up strong feeling.

I take great offence to this. I hope you are a reasonable person and will totally withdraw the remark as missguided.

[eccles]

telecat said:

gently bentley said:

telecat said:

If the road is wide why are there Double yellows is the first ask? Secondly why not ticket in the first instance? Thirdly why do the Scottish police think they need A "Nazi-Style" uniform. It's "easier to clean" doesn't really wash(!!!!!)

You are obviously entitled to make your point which I respect but to use the Nazi jibe is insulting and I take great offence to that. I have been a police officer in Scotland for 14 years and I am certainly not a Nazi. I think that's shocking.

Today I helped a family who lost a 3 year old child (died) that's my days work. I try my best as do the overwhelming majority of my Scottish counterparts. I do not accept Scottish Police ans Nazi belong in the same phrase.

I hope others will join me in lambasting you for that highly offensive comment.

Re-read and stop trolling!!! I asked why the UNIFORM was "nazi-STYLE". It's not a good look for a British Police force/service and should be reviewed. A large section of the traditional supporters of the Police have already been lost due to the actions of Senior management and this looks like another PR mistake.

Edited by telecat on Saturday 11th November 09:27

please post a picture of both uniforms for comparison .

[gently bentley]

eccles said:

telecat said:

gently bentley said:

telecat said:

If the road is wide why are there Double yellows is the first ask? Secondly why not ticket in the first instance? Thirdly why do the Scottish police think they need A "Nazi-Style" uniform. It's "easier to clean" doesn't really wash(!!!!!)

You are obviously entitled to make your point which I respect but to use the Nazi jibe is insulting and I take great offence to that. I have been a police officer in Scotland for 14 years and I am certainly not a Nazi. I think that's shocking.

Today I helped a family who lost a 3 year old child (died) that's my days work. I try my best as do the overwhelming majority of my Scottish counterparts. I do not accept Scottish Police ans Nazi belong in the same phrase.

I hope others will join me in lambasting you for that highly offensive comment.

Re-read and stop trolling!!! I asked why the UNIFORM was "nazi-STYLE". It's not a good look for a British Police force/service and should be reviewed. A large section of the traditional supporters of the Police have already been lost due to the actions of Senior management and this looks like another PR mistake.

Edited by telecat on Saturday 11th November 09:27

please post a picture of both uniforms for comparison .

Oh Ive decided not get involved in this anymore it is making me too angry just thinking about it. I might come back later once Ive calmed down.

[Mr_annie_vxr]

gently bentley said:

eccles said:

telecat said:

gently bentley said:

telecat said:

If the road is wide why are there Double yellows is the first ask? Secondly why not ticket in the first instance? Thirdly why do the Scottish police think they need A "Nazi-Style" uniform. It's "easier to clean" doesn't really wash(!!!!!)

You are obviously entitled to make your point which I respect but to use the Nazi jibe is insulting and I take great offence to that. I have been a police officer in Scotland for 14 years and I am certainly not a Nazi. I think that's shocking.

Today I helped a family who lost a 3 year old child (died) that's my days work. I try my best as do the overwhelming majority of my Scottish counterparts. I do not accept Scottish Police ans Nazi belong in the same phrase.

I hope others will join me in lambasting you for that highly offensive comment.

Re-read and stop trolling!!! I asked why the UNIFORM was "nazi-STYLE". It's not a good look for a British Police force/service and should be reviewed. A large section of the traditional supporters of the Police have already been lost due to the actions of Senior management and this looks like another PR mistake.

Edited by telecat on Saturday 11th November 09:27

please post a picture of both uniforms for comparison .

Oh Ive decided not get involved in this anymore it is making me too angry just thinking about it. I might come back later once Ive calmed down.

GB I for one see no comparison and any person on here who is as comparing any police uniform to that of a 'nazi' is someone you should have pity for rather than anger. They clearly have empty lives. GB also not knowing anything about Scots law is it likely anything to do with no road tax?

[gently bentley]

Thanks for that camment and bringing us back to the point. (I am still really fed up at what that person has said) Anyway the point.

Yes I thought about tax disc but thats DVLA who would legally clamp under the circumstances post a large notice on the m/v and then tow it but whats the chances of so many cars being in the one place all untaxed.

Security operation perhaps or some type of emergency, gas, water is far more possible? I can think of nothing else.

[rewc]

There is no way that I would compare any British police to a Nazi but the all black uniform does make them look intimidating. I realise that the days of Dock Green are gone and the Police require a uniform that is both practical and affords them protection. The uniform of combat type trousers and boots, together with black shirts and body protection, batons, pepper spray canisters, handcuffs, radio earpieces, many with shaven heads etc. make them appear threatening.
I was in Scotland last year and this is how they patrolled quite towns during daylight - I just wonder who sets the policy are they meant to look intimidating?.

[darreni]

French gendarmes, now they do look like they mean business!

[Mr_annie_vxr]

rewc said:

There is no way that I would compare any British police to a Nazi but the all black uniform does make them look intimidating. I realise that the days of Dock Green are gone and the Police require a uniform that is both practical and affords them protection. The uniform of combat type trousers and boots, together with black shirts and body protection, batons, pepper spray canisters, handcuffs, radio earpieces, many with shaven heads etc. make them appear threatening.
I was in Scotland last year and this is how they patrolled quite towns during daylight - I just wonder who sets the policy are they meant to look intimidating?.

The uniform is there due to the changing and increasingly violent society that officers police. Short hair is a practicality issue in relation to head gear. Black polo shirts are worn under body armour due to the fact that it looks very untidy with a white shirt and the gaps in the armour are more exposed. The uniform in most cases is not designed for intimidation. May I also point out that you may see the town as quiet but often there are matters in hand you may not be aware of.
Police in this country still (unlike in large parts of europe) police by consent and from personal experience I prefer to talk people in to custody rather than have to fight them and I know that is the case with the absolute majority of officers. Some people and its a growing number would rather fight the world first.

[Mr_annie_vxr]

gently bentley said:

Thanks for that camment and bringing us back to the point. (I am still really fed up at what that person has said) Anyway the point.

Yes I thought about tax disc but thats DVLA who would legally clamp under the circumstances post a large notice on the m/v and then tow it but whats the chances of so many cars being in the one place all untaxed.

Security operation perhaps or some type of emergency, gas, water is far more possible? I can think of nothing else.

True. There will be more to it no doubt, it was just the mention of £150 that made me think of the DVLA.

[gently bentley]

Now the sensible people are in thank God.

Yes I think the uniform has turned quite military, something I don't like.

As for the lifting of the cars in Edinburgh? I think its safe to say that it was not to target poor students parking on double yellows. The reason has to be something else and our friend has misunderstood what he has seen. Then again I wasn't there he was.

[Balmoral Green]

If you park on double yellows, you get ticketed, clamped or towed. So what's the big deal? It's always been like that. I once parked on a double yellow and got towed, back in 1982. It hasnt happened since because I havent parked on one since.