Argument with Policeman at Crossroads

[Carcharodon]

I Have been a avid reader of Pistonheads for some time, and now I have finally joined the forum, so I'm looking forward to joining the community.

I recently had an argument with a policeman on a motorbike, (he was mostly arguing) when I was turning right at some traffic lights. He instructed me to go around him instead of turning in front of him when I was turning right. I was sure this was not correct as I would be blocked by the traffic behind him wanting to turn into the opposite direction, however he was quite intimidating and I just backed down after exchanging a few words with him. I would like some advice whether I was right or wrong in this situation. If I am wrong then I will accept it, but I feel that police seem to think that just because they are police officers they are automatically right.

The other cars behind him and behind me were quite confused by what he was wanting us all to do, reinforcing my assumptions about being right. I have attached a screenshot of the junction where this happened. The red arrows are where I thought traffic should be going and the yellow is where he directed me and the other cars.

I thought because I was receiving directions from a policeman I should not challenge it as I may be prosecuted etc. However with hindsight I think I would stick to my gut instinct as I was not comfortable doing what he was telling me.

Your thoughts would be most helpful.

Regards.

Edited by Carcharodon on Thursday 9th May 22:19

[Carcharodon]

Thanks for your reply. I would like to know why yellow is better?

Also when the majority of people will take the red line, how can you take the yellow?

thanks

[Carcharodon]

So its probably better to "go with the flow" than try and be awkward by doing something different (like the policeman)

[Carcharodon]

Thanks, don't worry i'm not losing any sleep over it.

[Carcharodon]

I think we all can't be experts on the highway code and we always learn something new everyday (hence why I made this post). I think common sense and courtesy probably trump following rules blindly in every circumstance.

[Carcharodon]

How many times have you seen the it painted on the road in the red way?

I can't recall ever seeing it painted out in the yellow way.

A side note: Does anyone find it annoying when you don't know which junctions the opposite lights also go green? As they aren't marked, so sometimes you hesitate not knowing if the car opposite will come forward?

[Carcharodon]

Thanks Nigel Worc's but I meant I haven't seen the other way. Ive seen plenty like the junction you mentioned.