Getting away with it / Sensible Policing
Discussion
Plenty of posts on here about how people have been treated 'unfairly' by the Police in relation to motoring, or where people have had a run in with a particularly zelous plod.
Do any of us have experiences where sensible policing has prevailed or you have been let off for something that by rights should have landed you in very hot water?
I did once get pulled at 3am coming back from work at one hundred and twenty something.
Conversation went something like this:
Plod: "Do you know why i have stopped you sir?"
Me: (Contrite) "Er yes officer I was doing 120"
Plod: "Yes sir, that is correct - do you think thats a reasonable speed for the queens highway sir?"
Me: "No officer, not at all" - (visions of job loss, house reposession etc)
Plod: " I appreciate that the conditions are good and the road is empty sir but do you think you could keep it under a ton?"
Me: "Yes officer"
Plod: "Have a safe journey sir"
To say i was gobsmacked was an weapons grade understatement. Top Policing.
Do any of us have experiences where sensible policing has prevailed or you have been let off for something that by rights should have landed you in very hot water?
I did once get pulled at 3am coming back from work at one hundred and twenty something.
Conversation went something like this:
Plod: "Do you know why i have stopped you sir?"
Me: (Contrite) "Er yes officer I was doing 120"
Plod: "Yes sir, that is correct - do you think thats a reasonable speed for the queens highway sir?"
Me: "No officer, not at all" - (visions of job loss, house reposession etc)
Plod: " I appreciate that the conditions are good and the road is empty sir but do you think you could keep it under a ton?"
Me: "Yes officer"
Plod: "Have a safe journey sir"
To say i was gobsmacked was an weapons grade understatement. Top Policing.
Edited by brum on Wednesday 9th January 13:30
been let off for not wearing seatbelt and also for doing 90 in a 60. both times admitted to the offence. the only other time i was stopped was for not wearing a seatbelt again (its the first thing i do when i get in my car now) and when questioned do you know why we are stopping you i said no and got taxed 30 quid.
I did once get told be a copper who used to drink in our pub that the worst thing you could say was "No" when they asked "Do you know why i have pulled you over"
Apparently this means either
A) You are a liar
B) If you are unable to pay attention to the task in hand you shouldn't be on the road.
It seems that it is a good idea to admit to the offence - they seem to appreciate it?
Apparently this means either
A) You are a liar
B) If you are unable to pay attention to the task in hand you shouldn't be on the road.
It seems that it is a good idea to admit to the offence - they seem to appreciate it?
See - good things can happen to nice people.brum said:
Do any of us have experiences where sensible policing has prevailed or you have been let off for something that by rights should have landed you in very hot water?
To be honnest i'm quiet impressed with the police over here, i moved over from Holland 1,5 year ago and it's quiet a big difference.Police over there are much more intolerant, they will fine you for every little thing they can.
Over here i've been crossing streets (whilst no vehicle's approaching) whilst the pedestrian lights were red in front of walking coppers (who did the same, opposite way) and nothing happened, in Holland for sure they would have given me a ticket for that.
And i've even driven behind a police car once with my front fog lights on (came from canvey island where it was very foggy, but then in the town i was behind the policecar there was no fog but forgot to turn them off) and they didn't bother. In Holland that would have been a ticket + a big moaning.
So in my opinion police over here are far more tollerant then in Holland.
And over here most camera's are well visible, a lot of signs saying there are camera's and then another warning just before the camera, and those camera vans here have marked striping on the back which makes them well visible.
In Holland they don't put up signs for the camera's, and have a lot of sneaky hidden camera's in cars, bushes, and even in garage bins.
I'm glad they don't do penalty poins in Holland because i've got a huge stack of minor speeding tickets, but that has no futher consequences over there.
Been stopped a couple of times here for speeding and once for undertaking (when i just moved over, so for my feeling i was overtaking on the right side) and always been polite and friendly, and never got a ticket, just a "dont do it again".
Must admit that twice i was pulled over i was still in my uniform, which obvisously helps, and i do have a little sign from work on in the corner of my window which causes most cops to have a slightly different approach anyway.
So so far i'm quiet pleased with my police experiences here, i think they're far more relaxed and friendly (maybe a British thing?) then in Holland.
Pulled for overtaking on zig-zag lined area of a crossing (just after it) - I was totally honest, the copper advised me and let me go. I never did it again.
Pulled for overtaking a vehicle in front in a 30, he was doing about 25, I did about 35, pandavan pulled me up and warned me. I still think that was because I was 'cheeky' but meh.
Pulled for being on the database after a passenger waved a fake gun around in my car
No harm done, 10 minutes of my time and I was on my way.
Pulled and breath tested after driving out of a pub car park, green light, on my way
My tips to getting pulled - pull over in the first available safe spot - if its a clearway, don't pull up until it isn't! Get out of the car taking your keys with you. Be polite and honest and treat the officer with a bit of respect.
Its worked for me every time, and I've appreciated it.
Pulled for overtaking a vehicle in front in a 30, he was doing about 25, I did about 35, pandavan pulled me up and warned me. I still think that was because I was 'cheeky' but meh.
Pulled for being on the database after a passenger waved a fake gun around in my car
No harm done, 10 minutes of my time and I was on my way.Pulled and breath tested after driving out of a pub car park, green light, on my way
My tips to getting pulled - pull over in the first available safe spot - if its a clearway, don't pull up until it isn't! Get out of the car taking your keys with you. Be polite and honest and treat the officer with a bit of respect.
Its worked for me every time, and I've appreciated it.
Medic-one said:
brum said:
Do any of us have experiences where sensible policing has prevailed or you have been let off for something that by rights should have landed you in very hot water?
Over here i've been crossing streets (whilst no vehicle's approaching) whilst the pedestrian lights were red in front of walking coppers (who did the same, opposite way) and nothing happened, in Holland for sure they would have given me a ticket for that.I once experienced a conversation following the observance of 'some speed' with the fuzz which demonstrated the force still contains some, proper blokes who understand that far from being one step up from genocide, appropriate speed is a quite wonderful thing to be applauded and indeed, encouraged.
It's one of the greatest scandals in rock n roll just how many members of the party we have therein but whom are comprehensively gagged by the New Speak Party Commissars who makes their lives (internally) near impossible.
Tragically, much of the new blood is blissfully unaware of concepts like Reganism, phraseology terminating without fail in "Gov!" nor the finer points of the hereditary sppeding peerage.
Again, Cherlie Bliar is the culprit.
It's one of the greatest scandals in rock n roll just how many members of the party we have therein but whom are comprehensively gagged by the New Speak Party Commissars who makes their lives (internally) near impossible.
Tragically, much of the new blood is blissfully unaware of concepts like Reganism, phraseology terminating without fail in "Gov!" nor the finer points of the hereditary sppeding peerage.
Again, Cherlie Bliar is the culprit.
Medic-one said:
brum said:
Do any of us have experiences where sensible policing has prevailed or you have been let off for something that by rights should have landed you in very hot water?
To be honnest i'm quiet impressed with the police over here, i moved over from Holland 1,5 year ago and it's quiet a big difference.Police over there are much more intolerant, they will fine you for every little thing they can.
Over here i've been crossing streets (whilst no vehicle's approaching) whilst the pedestrian lights were red in front of walking coppers (who did the same, opposite way) and nothing happened, in Holland for sure they would have given me a ticket for that.
And i've even driven behind a police car once with my front fog lights on (came from canvey island where it was very foggy, but then in the town i was behind the policecar there was no fog but forgot to turn them off) and they didn't bother. In Holland that would have been a ticket + a big moaning.
So in my opinion police over here are far more tollerant then in Holland.
And over here most camera's are well visible, a lot of signs saying there are camera's and then another warning just before the camera, and those camera vans here have marked striping on the back which makes them well visible.
In Holland they don't put up signs for the camera's, and have a lot of sneaky hidden camera's in cars, bushes, and even in garage bins.
I'm glad they don't do penalty poins in Holland because i've got a huge stack of minor speeding tickets, but that has no futher consequences over there.
Been stopped a couple of times here for speeding and once for undertaking (when i just moved over, so for my feeling i was overtaking on the right side) and always been polite and friendly, and never got a ticket, just a "dont do it again".
Must admit that twice i was pulled over i was still in my uniform, which obvisously helps, and i do have a little sign from work on in the corner of my window which causes most cops to have a slightly different approach anyway.
So so far i'm quiet pleased with my police experiences here, i think they're far more relaxed and friendly (maybe a British thing?) then in Holland.
I would much rather have the Dutch system then the UK one. My last fine in Holland was for driving 112 Km/h in a 100 zone, cost was 35 euro. Absolutely nothing and yes, they were hiding behind the bushes.
My Dutch friends get tickets on average twice a month or so, but as it is only money, and no other consequences - there is no issue what so ever
Interesting.
Does that create a two tier system whereby those who can afford to get caught twice a week hoon around like maniacs and the lower orders stick to the speed limits due to the financial impact?
I imagine that the outside lane of the M1 would resemble an executive version of the Mulsanne straight if that were the case over here. Not that thats necessarily a bad thing mind.
Does that create a two tier system whereby those who can afford to get caught twice a week hoon around like maniacs and the lower orders stick to the speed limits due to the financial impact?
I imagine that the outside lane of the M1 would resemble an executive version of the Mulsanne straight if that were the case over here. Not that thats necessarily a bad thing mind.
Edited by brum on Wednesday 9th January 16:23
isn't that a little bit the same here? Those with financial powers can buy the toys in the car to prevent the tickets or at least reduce the chance a lot.
Also, those with a lot of funds hire Nick Freeman and get off whilst those without will get convicted.
Money buys justice, remember ...
Also, those with a lot of funds hire Nick Freeman and get off whilst those without will get convicted.
Money buys justice, remember ...
brum said:
I did once get told be a copper who used to drink in our pub that the worst thing you could say was "No" when they asked "Do you know why i have pulled you over"
Apparently this means either
A) You are a liar
B) If you are unable to pay attention to the task in hand you shouldn't be on the road.
It seems that it is a good idea to admit to the offence - they seem to appreciate it?
IF plod has video evidence/laser evidence of your infraction, then yes, I think telling the truth is 100% the correct thing to do.Apparently this means either
A) You are a liar
B) If you are unable to pay attention to the task in hand you shouldn't be on the road.
It seems that it is a good idea to admit to the offence - they seem to appreciate it?
However, the plod may have stopped you and not been able to get a proper reading, as happened with me once. When asked what speed I Was doing I replied "I wasn't looking at the speedo during the overtake". If I had said a number he could have used it as the noose to hang me with. As it was we had a good chat, they were diamonds, and I have heeded their advice and never overtake in that section anymore - they thought sight/visibility was too bad to do so safely.
Of course, there is no way of knowing whether plod has evidence when he talks to you, so you have to punt on it.
If you think he has evidence, 100% truth, in hope of agreeing to lower offence/rollocking
If you think he does not have evidence be vuague and do not answer his questions with numerical responses.
Edited by stuthemong on Wednesday 9th January 17:03
I was stopped a couple of months back after doing a bit of enthusiastic cornering (didn't leave the lane, but the tyres complained), and going possibly a little too fast.
BiB: "Do you know why we stopped you?"
Me (thinking which was the most serious): "I was doing 35 in a 30?" (it was probably 33, but it could've been 35)
BiB: "And?"
Me: "I went around the corner a bit fast?"
BiB: "Yes - how could we tell?"
Me: "My tyres squealed"
After checking the car over (and could see the tyres were okay), they let me on my way ("Don't do it again" ).
However, I'd stopped in a petrol station to fill up (I knew they were behind me, but wasn't sure if they wanted to stop me until I'd stopped by the pump), and they had to wait for me to do that (as they were parked behind me). So I kind of got my own back.
Edited to correct smiley that appeared, and added a couple of bits.
BiB: "Do you know why we stopped you?"
Me (thinking which was the most serious): "I was doing 35 in a 30?" (it was probably 33, but it could've been 35)
BiB: "And?"
Me: "I went around the corner a bit fast?"
BiB: "Yes - how could we tell?"
Me: "My tyres squealed"
After checking the car over (and could see the tyres were okay), they let me on my way ("Don't do it again" ).
However, I'd stopped in a petrol station to fill up (I knew they were behind me, but wasn't sure if they wanted to stop me until I'd stopped by the pump), and they had to wait for me to do that (as they were parked behind me). So I kind of got my own back.
Edited to correct smiley that appeared, and added a couple of bits.
Edited by tribbles on Wednesday 9th January 17:36
I agree with above, I was pulled doing 67 in a 40 and got the mother of all rollockings from the policeman, as I said at the time I was polite, held my hands up and didn't lie to him and sent me away with a flea in my ear.
I can honestly say I haven't gone anywhere near that speed on the same stretch of road since.
Top policing
I can honestly say I haven't gone anywhere near that speed on the same stretch of road since.
Top policing
Speaking from a BiB point of view, these are my pet hates..
Arguing the toss - I don't go around stopping people for no reason and I always explain why I've stopped them. Ordinarily, if we're talking about speed or a no seatbelt type of offence, I'll give a verbal warning, however, if the person starts to argue the point, I'll issue a ticket and we'll argue it in court. 99.9% of my stops end in a verbal warning.
Trying to bluff their way out of it - come on, most of the time, if you are a vaguely competent driver, you know you've done wrong, just 'fess up and it'll make things go a lot smoother. You'll be on your way quicker and so will I. If you start lying, I'll start looking for what you've got to hide...
I see my role as an educational one, I, and many of my colleagues subscribe to the view that speed doesn't kill, it's the inappropriate use of speed and the mistakes that come with it that are the problem. With that in mind, many people don't need criminalising simply to tell them to slow down.
With that in mind, every BiB will have their own set offences for which people will get a ticket or summons, mine are no driving licence, no insurance and driving whilst on the phone (by that I mean driving and not stationary with the engine running).
I think the main advice, as already given, is just to be polite and try to act sensibly. Of course, as in all walks of life, you will get some jumped up idiot trying to establish what little authority they have on you, just swallow your pride at the roadside and if it gets to a ticket, contest it. Chances are, they won't be the most liked at whatever nick they're at anyway.
Arguing the toss - I don't go around stopping people for no reason and I always explain why I've stopped them. Ordinarily, if we're talking about speed or a no seatbelt type of offence, I'll give a verbal warning, however, if the person starts to argue the point, I'll issue a ticket and we'll argue it in court. 99.9% of my stops end in a verbal warning.
Trying to bluff their way out of it - come on, most of the time, if you are a vaguely competent driver, you know you've done wrong, just 'fess up and it'll make things go a lot smoother. You'll be on your way quicker and so will I. If you start lying, I'll start looking for what you've got to hide...
I see my role as an educational one, I, and many of my colleagues subscribe to the view that speed doesn't kill, it's the inappropriate use of speed and the mistakes that come with it that are the problem. With that in mind, many people don't need criminalising simply to tell them to slow down.
With that in mind, every BiB will have their own set offences for which people will get a ticket or summons, mine are no driving licence, no insurance and driving whilst on the phone (by that I mean driving and not stationary with the engine running).
I think the main advice, as already given, is just to be polite and try to act sensibly. Of course, as in all walks of life, you will get some jumped up idiot trying to establish what little authority they have on you, just swallow your pride at the roadside and if it gets to a ticket, contest it. Chances are, they won't be the most liked at whatever nick they're at anyway.
The copper who pulled me for being very sideways around a roundabout and let me off with a 'be a bit more careful in future' was a nice bloke. Seemed into cars too, judging by the chat we had about mine.
I always think that not acting like a hard done to prick when they pull you is the key.
I always think that not acting like a hard done to prick when they pull you is the key.
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