A bonfire of their vanity
Discussion
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/art...
I have no pariicular politics and certainly support no political party but I've got to say this bonfire of Labour legislation interests me.
I've been talking to a number of police officers and they say that they have little or not intention of enforcing the news laws as they haven't the manpower.
'I don't even bother to learn them now.' said a chap who was very keen on the law when I was in the job.
I have no pariicular politics and certainly support no political party but I've got to say this bonfire of Labour legislation interests me.
I've been talking to a number of police officers and they say that they have little or not intention of enforcing the news laws as they haven't the manpower.
'I don't even bother to learn them now.' said a chap who was very keen on the law when I was in the job.
Derek, I'm surprised this hasn't attracted other replies.
One thing I omitted to mention is that it is not just police officers who have the right to exercise the law.
Many minor officials in local (and national government) can apply a number of laws (and not just 'bye-laws'), and sometimes do so in a petty manner.
Towards the end of last year I heard the story of a householder who was accosted early in the autumn by one such official from his local Council. Initially, the official commented that the lane running alongside the house looked pretty because of a profusion of flowers growing in the verges. The householder took this as a compliment and explained that each spring he emptied along the verges the remains of packets of flower seeds he had left over from the previous year's sowing.
He was then informed that this was an offence under various laws and regulations covering the disposal of waste and the handling of seeds and, in particular, was a "serious environmental crime". He was then officially informed that he faced prosecution under (wait for it):
- S33 and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;
- the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005;
- the Waste (Household Waste) Duty of Care (England & Wales) Regulations 2005;
- the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
He received warning that he would be reported for the offence(s), with a view to prosecution.
I imagine that some jumped-up busybody had reported him for scattering the seeds.
I have heard nothing since then, so either better counsels prevailed somehwere in the system or the matter is simply taking its time.
Sadly, it is instances such as this that continue to bring the law - in particular the excessive number introduced by Nu Labia and the EU - and especially the threat of its use (not necessarily by the police) into disrepute.
Streaky
One thing I omitted to mention is that it is not just police officers who have the right to exercise the law.
Many minor officials in local (and national government) can apply a number of laws (and not just 'bye-laws'), and sometimes do so in a petty manner.
Towards the end of last year I heard the story of a householder who was accosted early in the autumn by one such official from his local Council. Initially, the official commented that the lane running alongside the house looked pretty because of a profusion of flowers growing in the verges. The householder took this as a compliment and explained that each spring he emptied along the verges the remains of packets of flower seeds he had left over from the previous year's sowing.
He was then informed that this was an offence under various laws and regulations covering the disposal of waste and the handling of seeds and, in particular, was a "serious environmental crime". He was then officially informed that he faced prosecution under (wait for it):
- S33 and 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;
- the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005;
- the Waste (Household Waste) Duty of Care (England & Wales) Regulations 2005;
- the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
He received warning that he would be reported for the offence(s), with a view to prosecution.
I imagine that some jumped-up busybody had reported him for scattering the seeds.
I have heard nothing since then, so either better counsels prevailed somehwere in the system or the matter is simply taking its time.
Sadly, it is instances such as this that continue to bring the law - in particular the excessive number introduced by Nu Labia and the EU - and especially the threat of its use (not necessarily by the police) into disrepute.
Streaky
streaky said:
Derek, I'm surprised this hasn't attracted other replies.
Perhaps as it is being discussed in N P & EA couple of ex-job family members have commented to me that they now realise just how difficult it is for MoP to keep up with new laws/regulations/interpretations, that is simply on motoring issues.
Personally whilst I'm having a hard time bringing myself to vote for Call Me Dave and his Vichy Tories for a whole set of other reasons this one might persuade me.
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