Sick Of The Sight (Of Traffic Coppers)

[noonan mckane]

Last week, I got pulled by a traffic motor right outside my house, as I returned from ASDA, and hit with a 60 quid fixed pen for my illegal number plates. They had the faint little Rover emblems in the background, and slightly too small and slightly too closely spaced characters. I'd had them on the car for more than 3 years. Driven past countless traffic cops, never once alerted their ANPR, so I'd stopped even wondering about how legal they were. Although, to be fair, I've been having to swap them every September to pass an MOT, so fair dos, spoze.

This afternoon, coming back from a weekend at Sundrum Castle (caravan site near Ayr) I was on a section of the A78 which opens out into 3 lanes and I gave it a little squeeze. Glanced down, speedo said something around 105-ish. Big, long straight road, 20 degrees of warm, dry weather, unlimited visibility. Out they pop, from where I dunno. Lights flashing. By now I've long since lifted my clog, down about 60-65. He pulls me in.

"We have you at 98mph, for 294 yards. We feel your speed was just a little too fast for the road conditions. (Which is complete rubbish. The conditions were exactly as I described.) The limit here is 70mph. I intend now to charge you with the offence of speeding." He took my details and then said: "As far as we are concerned, the offence you have committed is 'speeding', but the case will now be passed to the Procurator Fiscal (Scotland's version of the CPS, I think?) and there is a chance that he will summon you to court with the intention of prosecuting you for 'dangerous driving'. A succesful conviction on this charge could result in a driving ban. He may also offer you a fixed penalty of around 100 pounds and an endorsement of up to 4 points on your license. Do you understand all that, Gary?"

I understood perfectly, of course. Another 100 quid, a week after being taken for 60 quid. Bottom line; I was speeding, I can't complain too loud, of course. But I just feel that maybe two slightly more experienced coppers (the two who pulled me today both looked no older than 28) might have followed me for a bit, noticed I'd slowed back down as quickly as I'd sped up and maybe just gave me a talking to, rather than getting the book out and launching into the spiel with such obvious enthusiasm.

Hey ho. Ye live and learn, eh? Just after renewing my insurance a few months back, I found a quote from the AA (via Confused.Com) of 80-odd quid less, and I thought: 'I'll be having that, next year, definitely.'
With "up to 4 points" on my license, I reckon I can forget that.......

Buggeration.

[mike88]

You mean the police actually did something about crime?

[Chin.]

Well ,as you said you did over 100 MPH which AFAIK is an automatic ban , no ? You're lucky they only clocked you @ 98 MPH tbh

As for the number plates, the ones full of pictures on the side and in the background look fucki ng gash anyway

[radddogg]

[noonan mckane]

Hey, thanks for all your support, you heartless bunch of arses!

Only kiddin'.

Apparently (according to one of my pals) the law in Scotland differs slightly from the rest of the UK, as far as an automatic ban goes. It seems that traffic cops can deal with 'speeders' they catch at anything up to 94mph. Above that, they refer it to the Procurator Fiscal, and it's at his discretion if you get banned or not. Amazingly, very few people even go to court. They're almost always offered the chance to pay £100 and remain legal, honest, decent and truthful.....

...and my number plates did NOT look gash. They were really nice.

[Berger]

LOLWUT

unlimited visibility. Out they pop, from where I dunno. Lights flashing.

Somehow you missed the big flashy police car in white/blue/yellow checks covered in ariels with two coppers sat in stabproof vests sat inside?

You are taking that much care about your driving that you don't know how fast you are going....

You know what, my car doesn't have illegal plates/tyres/exhaust and I don't take the tripe n onions with speed and I don't get any fines or points! If I do then ill suck it up!

If it was illegal to eat bananas or you risked a £60 fine, yet I liked bananas. Would I still eat them every day? Probably not, risk vs gain.

[noonan mckane]

Aye, alright chief. Wind yer neck back in.

I wasn't exactly hoping for folk to organise a benefit concert, but I didn't expect to get a right hammering either!

I didn't see the police car. It couldn't BE seen, as it transpires, as it was stationary, on a sliproad above and behind me as I passed.

I don't have illegal number plates, tyres or exhausts either. I'm all above board in that respect. And I can 'suck it up' with the worst of them. I've been done down, beaten, taken for a ride, you name it, by experts.

I apologise if I've wasted any of your time by writing what I did. Next time, don't feel that you're obliged to waste any more by writing back, mind.



The 'banana' analogy I'm going to have to leave, because I don't know what it means.

[mike88]

I don't have illegal number plates

Last week, I got pulled by a traffic motor for my illegal number plates. Although, to be fair, I've been having to swap them every September to pass an MOT.

Not having a go, but errr?

[noonan mckane]

Uh huh. But I refer my honourable friend to my previous comment, that in 3 years of driving past ANPR equipped police cars, not once were my 'NP's 'AR'ed....


(edit) Oh, I see what you mean. Again, is it not obvious? Last week, I got a tug for having illegal number plates. So, now I do not have illegal number plates.

[BrackenFox]

Reminds me slightly of someone I used to work with. They came in looking overly cheerful one morning, and when someone asked why, they said "I just got caught doing 89 on the A35!"

We were all slightly confused as to why he thought this was a happy occasion, then he added "I was doing 140 just down the road from there!"

[noonan mckane]

Reminds me slightly of someone I used to work with. They came in looking overly cheerful one morning, and when someone asked why, they said "I just got caught doing 89 on the A35!"

We were all slightly confused as to why he thought this was a happy occasion, then he added "I was doing 140 just down the road from there!"

Which, in turn, reminds me of the last time I was done for speeding. In 2002 I was on my way to Wales, and was clocked by a 'Mobile Community Safety Camera' by Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary. They had me at 92mph on a stretch of the M74. I had no idea that I'd been done until I returned home 3 days later and found a letter from said constabulary through my door.

I thought 'It's a good job that the 'community's safety' is only important during office hours, because if they'd had their mobile camera sat in the same place at 2am on the Monday morning they could have had me at about 120mph on my road home'.


It's just annoying. I'm not a reckless driver. I rattle on a bit sometimes, sure. Who doesn't? I always feel I'm in control and I'm not putting anyone at risk. You drive to the conditions, don't you? Don't we all?

When you think of the breathtaking lapses of judgement you sometimes see, and not a traffic cop to be seen, you tend to feel they're just getting on your case, do ye not?

[radddogg]

[quote="Berger"

unlimited visibility. Out they pop, from where I dunno. Lights flashing.

Somehow you missed the big flashy police car in white/blue/yellow checks covered in ariels with two coppers sat in stabproof vests sat inside?[/quote]

I didn't see the police car. It couldn't BE seen, as it transpires, as it was stationary, on a sliproad above and behind me as I passed.

"We have you at 98mph, for 294 yards.

So, while they were following you did you not use your mirrors because you had already put your make up on?

[noonan mckane]

[quote="Berger"

unlimited visibility. Out they pop, from where I dunno. Lights flashing.

Somehow you missed the big flashy police car in white/blue/yellow checks covered in ariels with two coppers sat in stabproof vests sat inside?

I didn't see the police car. It couldn't BE seen, as it transpires, as it was stationary, on a sliproad above and behind me as I passed.

"We have you at 98mph, for 294 yards.

So, while they were following you did you not use your mirrors because you had already put your make up on?[/quote]

Don't be daft. I put my makeup on before I step over the door. I hate being caught out like that. I even keep a lipstick in the door pocket. I was able to reapply just in time for him arriving at the window.
"Tell me", I asked huskily, while batting my lashes, "Is attempting to bribe a police officer still as frowned upon.......gorgeous?"

Didn't work, of course. But, hey, 98mph for 294 yards..How long does that take? Honestly, when I first saw them they were a dot in the mirror. And by the time they were behind me, I sh*t you not, I was going no more than 65.

Honest, guv!

[radddogg]

We've all been there though.

I'm clean now though <touches wood>

Actually that reminds me, its time for my goodnight w4nk

ctrl + shift + n

[Punx0r]

How did they measure your speed?

You have my sympathy. I was so expected a NIP last year after spotting a scamera van on a flyover on the M74, whilst I was doing 90mph.

It's a little crazy that the further north you go the emptier the motorways get and the more bloody speed cameras there are.

Still on March 31st the Northampton Community Speed Saftey Partnership danglies deluxe, or whatever its name is, was disbanded. At the same time all the fixed speed cameras were also switched off. I didn't stop grinning all afternoon after reading about it.

[noonan mckane]

Radders, you're a rascal.

Just been reading about Adam.

That's rubbish. Sorry to read that. Feel a bit stupid now, quibbling about speeding fines and that.

Condolences from me and us.

[Punx0r]

98mph for 294 yards..How long does that take?

Approx 6.14 seconds.

HTH

[noonan mckane]

Cheers.

They measured my speed with a little thing that looked like a pair of binoculars, actually. The copper was very careful to show me a little sticker on the back of it which stated that it was due to be re-calibrated in December 2011, which apparently proves it's as accurate as it can be.

[radddogg]

Radders, you're a rascal.

Just been reading about Adam.

That's rubbish. Sorry to read that. Feel a bit stupid now, quibbling about speeding fines and that.

Condolences from me and us.

Cheers pal

[Pinkie15]

Blimey, I haven't seen a "proper" traffic cop on the roads round here since September last year.

[radddogg]

Blimey, I haven't seen a "proper" traffic cop on the roads round here since September last year.

They're all unmarked that's why

[Pinkie15]

Blimey, I haven't seen a "proper" traffic cop on the roads round here since September last year.

They're all unmarked that's why

None of those either, unless they've managed to loose all the aerials/antennae they used to be festooned with.

[mike88]

None of those either, unless they've managed to loose all the aerials/antennae they used to be festooned with.

Not round here, one went past 20 mins ago..

[noonan mckane]

I want to update you on this, and ask if anyone can tell me what's likely to happen to me..? (I'll be honest: I'm a bit scared now.)

I was pulled on Easter Monday, for 98mph in a 70...(you know all this. It's at the top of the page)

Nearly 2 months had gone by, and I was actually starting to think the PF had thrown it out. No such luck. Middle of June there, I got a letter from the PF. It outlined all the details of the offence, and offered me the options of a court date, to appear in person, or to plead guilty by returning a tear-off slip enclosed with it. This also asked for loads of details about my income, ability to pay the fine, etc. It also asked that I post my driving licence with it, recorded delivery. I did all this, and braced myself for (as the coppers had originally mentioned) about a hundred quid's fine and 4 points. I presumed the matter was closed, bar the fine and pen. points.

Yesterday morning, by recorded delivery, a letter from the PF: (paraphrasing)

'...your case has been continued until July 13th. You must appear in person at the courthouse in Irvine. You may wish to seek legal representation. The reason for this continuance is detailed below.

*the nature of the offence.

yours, etc....'

What does this mean? Like I say, I'm scared now. The cops had said the PF 'may seek to prosecute for the more serious charge of dangerous driving, which could result in a ban'

Is this what's happening? I wonder how the 'nature of the offence' is any different from when they offered me the slip, to plead by post. I keep wondering if it's because my (old style, paper) licence still has 6 lapsed points on it. But they're years old. 3 from 2002 and 3 from 1998. Has the PF got me pegged as a 'habitual speeder'? Sure, it's my 3rd 'tug', but over 13 years? Is that worthy of a ban?

Please, please flood this page with reassuring noises.......

[Marty]

Brace ya self

[radddogg]

Don't worry. I got 5 points for 98 in a 70 (dal carriageway) and a further 3 for 97 on a motorway, then a further 3 for 97 on a motorway. All gone now though

Brace ya self

[Semproxion]

Blimey, I haven't seen a "proper" traffic cop on the roads round here since September last year.

They're all unmarked that's why

None of those either, unless they've managed to loose all the aerials/antennae they used to be festooned with.

Trust me, the unmarked units still have those aerials. Just not in a manner in which they are visible. Wouldnt be any point in an unmarked unit if those weren't covert.

[matt077]

same kinda thing which as happend to me in the pass week mate, feel sorry for you

[alexcornwall]

I drove past a mobile speed camera in a 60 zone at just shy of 100 potentially. However It was over 4 weeks ago now and i have not received anything! Absolutely papping myself for the past few weeks so i do feel for you a little. Sounds like they are going to indeed bend you over and shaft you dry .

[Pinkie15]

Not sure how the Scottish system works and if this means they are looking to ban you. But surely worth a visit to your local citizens advice, or equivalent, for their view on it.

As an alternative some uni's doing legal degrees sometimes do "training" sessions for the students, where the students are shadowing an experienced lawyer to see how it works in the real world. Usually these are free, but no idea what the quality is like.

[matt077]

Not sure how the Scottish system works and if this means they are looking to ban you. But surely worth a visit to your local citizens advice, or equivalent, for their view on it.

As an alternative some uni's doing legal degrees sometimes do "training" sessions for the students, where the students are shadowing an experienced lawyer to see how it works in the real world. Usually these are free, but no idea what the quality is like.

i've been told its best to wait for the letter to come 1st before going to see a lawyer

[Pinkie15]

Not sure how the Scottish system works and if this means they are looking to ban you. But surely worth a visit to your local citizens advice, or equivalent, for their view on it.

As an alternative some uni's doing legal degrees sometimes do "training" sessions for the students, where the students are shadowing an experienced lawyer to see how it works in the real world. Usually these are free, but no idea what the quality is like.

i've been told its best to wait for the letter to come 1st before going to see a lawyer

Skim fail I think Matt:

Yesterday morning, by recorded delivery, a letter from the PF: (paraphrasing)

'...your case has been continued until July 13th. You must appear in person at the courthouse in Irvine. You may wish to seek legal representation. The reason for this continuance is detailed below.

*the nature of the offence.

[matt077]

Not sure how the Scottish system works and if this means they are looking to ban you. But surely worth a visit to your local citizens advice, or equivalent, for their view on it.

As an alternative some uni's doing legal degrees sometimes do "training" sessions for the students, where the students are shadowing an experienced lawyer to see how it works in the real world. Usually these are free, but no idea what the quality is like.

i've been told its best to wait for the letter to come 1st before going to see a lawyer

Skim fail I think Matt:

Yesterday morning, by recorded delivery, a letter from the PF: (paraphrasing)

'...your case has been continued until July 13th. You must appear in person at the courthouse in Irvine. You may wish to seek legal representation. The reason for this continuance is detailed below.

*the nature of the offence.

i fail

how long did it take to get the letter?

[noonan mckane]

About a fortnight or so after the initial letter, which offered me the chance to plead guilty by post.

[t'mill]

I'm getting the feeling a ban may be immanent tbh. You can never tell what they're going to issue because punishments are never consistent. Some folk get away with a huge fine and minimal points, others get loads of points but a reduced fine and the unlucky lose their licence. I wouldn't wait pal. Go pay for a consultation with a solicitor asap and see if you can't work something out with them to keep your licence. Mitigating circumstances so to speak.

Do you need your licence to work? Maybe play on this angle. It's not guaranteed, but if your Sol puts a good case forward stating if you lose your licence you lose your job, the bench may decide to up the fine and give you enough points to keep your licence but also enough that you wouldn't be able to incur another driving offence. That way they know you're going to keep the speed down. An automotive Sword of Damocles so to speak.