View Full Version : A Positive Experience With The Police Despite It Being A Bad One.
Seggons
06-10-10, 02:32 PM
I am now a not so proud owner of a shiny new SP30 on my licence (when it comes back to me). Coming through Milton Keynes yesterday and assumed the road I was on was a 40. One of Thames Valley finest soon corrected me on that followed by showing me the laser gun which displayed 44 at 194 meters. Epic fail.
He then pointed me into the car park that they were using for a mini-op. I then got dealt with by a female officer who was very pleasant to deal with. At the end of the day I was bang to rights, I should of noticed the street lighting which indicates it's a 30. So we exchanged some friendly banter while she wrote the ticket out.
I even smiled and wished the person that got me a good day. I'm guessing they would all prefer to be doing something else. But someone higher up has told them that's there job for today so that's what they have to do. Pain in the bottom for me because now I'm only 3 points away from loosing my new job. Plus I need to produce the company insurance.
But overall it's been nice to see friendly and happy police officers. :)
gruntygiggles
06-10-10, 02:44 PM
What a refreshing change to the usual threads about dealing with police. Nice one Seggons.
Important question though, did you get her number??? ;-)
I was hammering it around Milton Keynes yesterday too lol there is always loads of police about.
It a funny little town.
Owenski
06-10-10, 02:56 PM
I am now a not so proud owner of a shiny new SP30 on my licence (when it comes back to me). Coming through Milton Keynes yesterday and assumed the road I was on was a 40. One of Thames Valley finest soon corrected me on that followed by showing me the laser gun which displayed 44 at 194 meters. Epic fail.
He then pointed me into the car park that they were using for a mini-op. I then got dealt with by a female officer who was very pleasant to deal with. At the end of the day I was bang to rights, I should of noticed the street lighting which indicates it's a 30. So we exchanged some friendly banter while she wrote the ticket out.
I even smiled and wished the person that got me a good day. I'm guessing they would all prefer to be doing something else. But someone higher up has told them that's there job for today so that's what they have to do. Pain in the bottom for me because now I'm only 3 points away from loosing my new job. Plus I need to produce the company insurance.
But overall it's been nice to see friendly and happy police officers. :)
The misses has just done a speed awarness course and keeps harping on about this, what am I not understanding...
There are street lights in 40mph zones as well. Is it because you're saying the street lighting columns werent plastered in the 40signs? if it were a 40 then they would have been?
kellyjo
06-10-10, 03:04 PM
Sorry to hear you got stopped Scott, forgive my ignorance but why will lose your job if you get another 3 points? Are you up to 9 points or is it to do with their insurance? I hope they dont give you a hard time at work for it xx
The misses has just done a speed awarness course and keeps harping on about this, what am I not understanding...
There are street lights in 40mph zones as well. Is it because you're saying the street lighting columns werent plastered in the 40signs? if it were a 40 then they would have been?
I was wondering that, but didn't want to sound dumb.
I remember it being a point made during my theory test though.
But you obviously get street lighting in any speed limits 30, 40, 50, 60, 70... so I don't get it.
Streets with lighting & with no reminder signs signifies that it is a 30mph area.
If it's a 40 they have little signs that repeat on the lamp posts every set distance I believe.
Dave20046
06-10-10, 03:21 PM
Doh, badluck seggons - hope it's a while until your next insurance renewal :(
Streets with lighting & with no reminder signs signifies that it is a 30mph area.
If it's a 40 they have little signs that repeat on the lamp posts every set distance I believe.
"repeater signs", only 40+'s tend to have them - 30s only tend to have the big speed signs on entry to the zone and that's it.
I think you could technically assume if there are no streetlights and no repeater signs that it is NSL although I think the general advice is assume it's a 30 until confirmation...but riding to what's safe'll do ;)
benji106
06-10-10, 03:34 PM
I thought the spacing of the lights was different for 30's but I could be chatting absolute balls.
Seggons
06-10-10, 03:56 PM
I'm glad people have picked up on the street lights part because this is something I discussed with her.
Me: Is this really a 30mph zone.
Her: Most of the area around the centre of MK is.
Me: But there's isn't any 30 signs.
Her: The street lighting gives it away.
She was already half way through the ticket and I couldn't see what arguing at the road side was going to do. Enforcing a law based on street lights seems very weak to me.
I personally feel the police on the street get a rough deal. I guess they are just normal employees like alot of us who get told by people above them that's what they have to do for the day. I'm just mainly kicking myself for not being more aware or letting my brother drive instead. Just suck it up and carry on with things I guess.
GG: No number, she was about 10 years too mature for my taste. :D
KJ: It costs the company more on insurance and they won't pay it so they terminate the employee's contract. I think 3 points is alright because it's a common thing now-adays.
Dave: The bike insurance is due next month. Doh. :lol:
I just got three more points the other day, and have now a total of 12 on my license, and 9 that count.
I'm such an idiot.
I am now a not so proud owner of a shiny new SP30 on my licence (when it comes back to me). Coming through Milton Keynes yesterday and assumed the road I was on was a 40. One of Thames Valley finest soon corrected me on that followed by showing me the laser gun which displayed 44 at 194 meters. Epic fail.
He then pointed me into the car park that they were using for a mini-op. I then got dealt with by a female officer who was very pleasant to deal with. At the end of the day I was bang to rights, I should of noticed the street lighting which indicates it's a 30. So we exchanged some friendly banter while she wrote the ticket out.
I even smiled and wished the person that got me a good day. I'm guessing they would all prefer to be doing something else. But someone higher up has told them that's there job for today so that's what they have to do. Pain in the bottom for me because now I'm only 3 points away from loosing my new job. Plus I need to produce the company insurance.
But overall it's been nice to see friendly and happy police officers. :)I have had that said to me before. What a load of crap. Some orads are 30 then 40 and the spacing between the lights is no different. A cop out (Pun intended)
I got done on a 30mph road out of london, that truly would be a 40mph road in Londinium, but even that argument didnt even work :(
Im always polite with the officers, even though you want to shout at them and in return, oterh than a little sarcasm, they are fine! Been let off more times than i have been caught, so cant be all bad.
punyXpress
06-10-10, 04:59 PM
" GG: No number, she was about 10 years too mature for my taste. :grin: "
You realise you're a dead man when she reads this, Smegmonster! ;)
My understanding is that all lit areas are 30 unless signed otherwise, and that street lights are the difference between a built-up single carriageway (30) and a normal one (60). Highway Code rule 124 seems to agree with the first part, at least.
dizzyblonde
06-10-10, 05:13 PM
hmmm yup, its a bummer. Someone not so far away got one on an otherwise unblemished 20 yr old licence. Was anticipating a speed change 400 yds ahead, and got pulled. Bit of a shi1t but I suppose lots of people who ride/drive carefully get hammered sometimes. Took it on the chin and went on his way.
Take it as a whoops and keep you eyes peeled, so it don't happen again
missyburd
06-10-10, 05:27 PM
When in doubt do 30 :smt102
Sorry to hear that though Seggons, it's a pain when you genuinely didn't know but then there's not much point arguing the toss as the coppers can't exactly give you special treatment. A kid's life could still have been at risk at the end of the day. Good on you for taking it lightheartedly and hope it doesn't happen again :-)
Dave20046
06-10-10, 05:31 PM
When in doubt do 30 :smt102
That's exactly what I said!
Copper still gave me an absolute rollocking on the hard shoulder though:smt090
Shellywoozle
06-10-10, 06:00 PM
Ah wounder, 3 points with a smile :) her number is 999 mate lol. Well that's what I say when I get asked for mine at work.
Bad luck dude x
gruntygiggles
06-10-10, 06:05 PM
" GG: No number, she was about 10 years too mature for my taste. :grin: "
You realise you're a dead man when she reads this, Smegmonster! ;)
:smt079
lol
peterco
06-10-10, 06:10 PM
Sorry to hear that scott.
pete
Owenski
06-10-10, 07:25 PM
I was wondering that, but didn't want to sound dumb. it.
See I had no such fear :)
Cool to know though that it's not actually anything to do with the streetlights them selves it is just if they've got the reminder signs on or not.
Cheers,
MisterTommyH
06-10-10, 08:51 PM
KJ: It costs the company more on insurance and they won't pay it so they terminate the employee's contract. I think 3 points is alright because it's a common thing now-adays.
Is that actually legal without a verbal and written warning? It's not exactly gross-misconduct. (I'm assuming you're permanant rather than contract?)
I have had that said to me before. What a load of crap. Some orads are 30 then 40 and the spacing between the lights is no different. A cop out (Pun intended)
It is b0llocks. It's more to do with the repeater signs (or lack of) that signify the speed limit (I think). In any case, street lights aren't designed to act as speed signs - yes it's a consideration to determine the lux level, but it's more to do with producing that lux level at ground (which might be based on more than just the traffic conditions), so the spacings will vary with the height of the post and the type of fitting.
Milky Bar Kid
06-10-10, 09:04 PM
It is b0llocks. It's more to do with the repeater signs (or lack of) that signify the speed limit (I think). In any case, street lights aren't designed to act as speed signs - yes it's a consideration to determine the lux level, but it's more to do with producing that lux level at ground (which might be based on more than just the traffic conditions), so the spacings will vary with the height of the post and the type of fitting.
It's not actually. Unless otherwised stated, areas with street lights are 30mph zones.
It's obviously not an actual LAW so to speak but it is a very, very good rule of thumb. If you are riding in a street lit area, and haven't seen signs to the contrary, assume it is a 30 zone and you won't go far wrong.
MisterTommyH
06-10-10, 09:07 PM
It's not actually. Unless otherwised stated, areas with street lights are 30mph zones.
It's obviously not an actual LAW so to speak but it is a very, very good rule of thumb. If you are riding in a street lit area, and haven't seen signs to the contrary, assume it is a 30 zone and you won't go far wrong.
I'm not arguing that areas with street lights aren't 30 unless noted otherwise.
Just that the spacing of the lighting poles isn't designed as an indication of the speed limit, as someone seemed to be suggesting - There are lights or there aren't, and the spacing of the lights is not (directly) set by the speed limit.
Milky Bar Kid
06-10-10, 09:09 PM
No one was saying that!! Someone said that they believed that for it to be a forty there had to be reminders set at a certain spacing distance and that they were normally attached to the poles!
Milky Bar Kid
06-10-10, 09:10 PM
Streets with lighting & with no reminder signs signifies that it is a 30mph area.
If it's a 40 they have little signs that repeat on the lamp posts every set distance I believe.
He isn't anywhere saying the poles are at a set distance.
MisterTommyH
06-10-10, 09:18 PM
No one was saying that!! Someone said that they believed that for it to be a forty there had to be reminders set at a certain spacing distance and that they were normally attached to the poles!
Really?
I have had that said to me before. What a load of crap. Some orads are 30 then 40 and the spacing between the lights is no different. A cop out (Pun intended)
I was agreeing with this.
I thought the spacing of the lights was different for 30's but I could be chatting absolute balls.
Because he said this - But if you wanna call benji no-one thats up to you.;)
punyXpress
06-10-10, 09:31 PM
From PePiPoo: " Basically any road with street lights at a spacing of 183m (200yds) or less has a speed limit of 30mph, unless signs are posted regularly with another limit. "
Seggons
06-10-10, 09:40 PM
Is that actually legal without a verbal and written warning? It's not exactly gross-misconduct. (I'm assuming you're permanant rather than contract?)
According to my employee's handbook for the company if they cannot get insurance at normal rates then my employment could be terminated. But they will try and find me a role elsewhere in the company first.
As to the legality's of it I don't know but hopefully that won't become a issue. :D
Dicky Ticker
07-10-10, 08:55 AM
Nothing to do with Seggons issue but the street lighting doesn't even have to be in working order and there is no oligation for the authority to even turn it on during hours of darkness. it only has to be there. The one defencible factor is the distance between them but one street light in a rural village on the old A74 was enough for me to get a ticking off.???????????
punyXpress
07-10-10, 09:33 AM
Nothing to do with Seggons issue but the street lighting doesn't even have to be in working order and there is no oligation for the authority to even turn it on during hours of darkness. it only has to be there. The one defencible factor is the distance between them but one street light in a rural village on the old A74 was enough for me to get a ticking off.???????????
Would WE ever get away with that ? :confused:
Seggons
19-10-10, 05:03 PM
My positive experience may of just got a little more positive. I got my licence back today and the first thing I checked was the paper part to cringe at the 3 points. But when I opened it up it's come back exactly how I sent it, as clean as a whistle. There was also a letter included from the Thames Valley Police. In the letter it says things like thanks for surrendering my licence, the details have been recorded and that they are seeking to educate and not prosecute.
It goes on to say "I believe you could benefit from a driver education course if you meet the eligibility criteria." As much as I'd love to jump for joy at this point I have a feeling I will fall outside of whatever the criteria is. My gut feeling is these courses are only for people who stray over the limit, mine would appear to be more of a running jump. Secondly weather that off duty policeman ever put in that section whatever it was.
Fingers crossed for the next 14 days to see weather a letter for a course comes through or one asking for my driving licence and and another £60 fine.
speedplay
19-10-10, 05:10 PM
GG: No number, she was about 10 years too mature for my taste. :D
16 is a hell of a young copper Scott...
Seggons
19-10-10, 05:20 PM
:lol: Your getting my IQ and age mixed up. ;)
Dave20046
19-10-10, 05:23 PM
:lol: Your getting my IQ and age mixed up. ;)
http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp354/gazalajeff/junk/Overyourhead.jpg
:p
Dave20046
19-10-10, 05:25 PM
My positive experience may of just got a little more positive. I got my licence back today and the first thing I checked was the paper part to cringe at the 3 points. But when I opened it up it's come back exactly how I sent it, as clean as a whistle. There was also a letter included from the Thames Valley Police. In the letter it says things like thanks for surrendering my licence, the details have been recorded and that they are seeking to educate and not prosecute.
It goes on to say "I believe you could benefit from a driver education course if you meet the eligibility criteria." As much as I'd love to jump for joy at this point I have a feeling I will fall outside of whatever the criteria is. My gut feeling is these courses are only for people who stray over the limit, mine would appear to be more of a running jump. Secondly weather that off duty policeman ever put in that section whatever it was.
Fingers crossed for the next 14 days to see weather a letter for a course comes through or one asking for my driving licence and and another £60 fine.
I still don't think they have a leg to stand on. Goodluck anyways.
BanannaMan
20-10-10, 04:25 AM
What a refreshing change to the usual threads about dealing with police. Nice one Seggons.
+1
Indeed, nice to see a lad with his chin up, not whining about it.
Sometimes in life, those sort of things happen, you learn, you move on.
Well done on a positive attitude!
Seggons
23-10-10, 01:15 PM
Just to put the icing on the cake my driver improvement course dropped through the letterbox today. The only thing I'm a little miffed about is the fact they have cashed my £60 cheque when I sent off the slip and now they have just had £90 for the course. Still much better then having 3 shiners put on my licence through.
Lessons learnt. Don't speed and sometimes taking it on the chin can reap the best outcome.
... The only thing I'm a little miffed about is the fact they have cashed my £60 cheque when I sent off the slip and now they have just had £90 for the course. ....
Well you can't expect efficiency, accuracy, honesty and decency as well as benevolence can you? ;) Good result I reckon, despite the creative accounting.
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