Talivans and civilians

[KITT]

If a talivan is being opperated by a civilian, then are they legally allowed to display "Police" all over the van?

I've noticed that my local ones (Avon & Somerset) now have added a stripy fluorescent board to the back when the doors are open with the word Police in the middle. Surely if there isn't a police officer present you can't do this?

[lunarscope]

Does it also have blue emergency lights ?
If so, then why don't you do a Citizen's Arrest on the civilian for "Impersonating a Police Officer".

BTW, if it has orange warning lights then it is also breaking the law as these are only allowed on specific vehicles identified in the "Road Traffic Act".

[Dibble]

A quick search and this is all I could come up with regarding amber/orange lights. If I find anything else, I'll post it.

Regulation 17 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 provides the only requirement in relation to the fitting of a warning beacon on a vehicle. The regulation does not apply to motor vehicles first used before 1st January 1947 or to vehicles which are merely crossing an unrestricted dual carriageway in the quickest manner practicable in the circumstances. It states:-
17 No person shall use, cause or permit to be used, on an unrestricted dual-carriageway road any motor vehicle with four or more wheels having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph unless it or any trailer drawn by it is fitted with at least one warning beacon which

(a) complies with Schedule 16, and
(b) is showing an amber light

The requirement appears straightforward; any motor vehicle with four wheels or more, having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph, or a trailer which it is drawing, must be fitted with and showing an amber light, if it is used on an unrestricted dual carriageway road.


>> Edited by Dibble on Friday 11th June 16:27

[KITT]

Alas they don't seem to use any form of flashing lights, but they do seems to have the word "police" written on a sign they place on the road and in the vehicle itself. Perhaps they really do use police officers?

cheers all

[EnDubya]

The use of amber lights was discussed on PePiPoo, a while back. The following SI was quoted at that time:

* * * * * * * *
www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_3.htm

PART II
Colour of light shown by lamps and reflectors

[snipped other colours]

11.(2) No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp which is capable of showing any light to the rear, other than a red light, except-

(l) amber light from a warning beacon fitted to-

(i) a road clearance vehicle;

(ii) a vehicle constructed or adapted for the purpose of collecting refuse;

(iii) a breakdown vehicle;

(iv) a vehicle having a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph or any trailer drawn by such a vehicle;

(v) a vehicle having an overall width (including any load) exceeding 2.9 m;

(vi) a vehicle used for the purposes of testing, maintaining, improving, cleansing or watering roads or for any purpose incidental to any such use;

(vii) a vehicle used for the purpose of inspecting, cleansing, maintaining, adjusting, renewing or installing any apparatus which is in, on, under or over a road, or for any purpose incidental to any such use;

(viii) a vehicle used for or in connection with any purpose for which it is authorised to be used on roads by an order under section 44 of the Act;

(ix) a vehicle used for escort purposes when travelling at a speed not exceeding 25 mph;

(x) a vehicle used by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise for the purpose of testing fuels;

(xi) a vehicle used for the purpose of surveying;

(xii) a vehicle used for the removal or immobilisation of vehicles in exercise of a statutory power or duty;

* * * * * * * *

[Dibble]

I knew someone else would find it! Thanks, I can stop looking now.

[tootler]

Yes