Your thoughts...

[Blukoo]

Got 3 points and a £60 fine tonight. Here's the story...

I turned left from Bon Accord Street onto Langstane Place (Aberdeen) and pulled up on the left hand side at the point I thought would be the least inconvenient. As far away from the crossing as possible while not obstructing the entrance/exit a little further down the road from the Prohibition Bar on Langstane Place. At this point I wasn't aware I was still on the zig-zags.

I had arranged to meet my dad near there and the only reason I stopped was to send a text message to him to say I was outside.

As I was texting, two police officers walked round the corner. As soon as they brought the problem of where I was stopped to my attention I explained my reason for stopping. I also apologised, and offered to move the vehicle right away.
However regardless of the fact this spot was an unsafe place to stop (in their eyes), they proceeded to talk to me, do various checks and take my details. This resulted in the car sitting on that spot for a further 10-15 minutes. In my opinion, this was a poor judgment on their behalf.



Initially I was going to pay the fine, but now my dad and I have decided to take it to court. I'm sure it'll cost them a lot more than £60 to pursue the case.

I know I was in the wrong, but considering the small amount of time I had stopped there I thought a little discretion would have been appropriate.

[Blukoo]

EDLT said:

So you were texting while illegally parked.

You do realise that when you lose you'll have an increased fine AND you'll have to pay for court costs. The police won't lose anything.

I'm in Scotland. We don't pay court costs.

Yes, technically I was texting while illegally parked, but I wasn't aware I was parked illegaly at the time. Also, I thought they might have been a little easier on me because I actually pulled over to text.

deevlash said:

What exactly do you hope to achieve at court?!

Maybe they'll trade the points for a larger fine.

Edited by Blukoo on Thursday 11th November 23:58

[Blukoo]

stevoknevo said:

Done bang to rights for parking on zig-zags. There must be a pedestrian crossing out of sight to the left of the photo. Had you parked 50m further on you would have been fine. Take it on the chin for parking outside of your highway code knowledge.

As I said in the original text, there is a crossing, but I had pulled over far enough away not to cause any obstruction or inconvenience.
The image above does show and empty parking spot, but all spaces were full tonight.
I'd also like to add, this was about 21:30 tonight, and the roads were very quiet. Very little moving cars or pedestrians.

I thought the majority of PH's members would back someone trying to argue a case such as this.

Edited by Blukoo on Friday 12th November 00:09

[Blukoo]

Yes, of course, i'll be more than willing to keep you updated. Whether I win or lose the argument.

It can be a lesson to us all.

[Blukoo]

I appreciate your mild talking to

However, I genuinely did pull over just for a minute to text. Once I sent the message I was going to circle the block and keep and eye out for him. I wasn't even 100% sure which pub he was in.

You're right though, i've learnt from my mistake. Won't be doing it again.

Edited by Blukoo on Friday 12th November 00:26

[Blukoo]

saaby93 said:

and then texting while in control of a vehicle

Car was out of gear, and handbrake was on. Does that still count?
Does the engine have to be off? Surely not.

Edited by Blukoo on Friday 12th November 00:35

ETA: "The law states that it is illegal to ride a motorbike or drive a car while you are using a hand held communication device"

I was not driving the car at the time, therefore I have nothing to worry about.

"texting while in control of a vehicle"

Edited by Blukoo on Friday 12th November 00:39