Traffic offence - Org's thoughts?

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Maybe on a sticky wicket if he can prove the light sequence, and it depends if the court accepts that to be the case. I don't know enough about the law in terms of what the police have to prove as to whether that will be sufficient to convict, but sure RH or somebody will be along shortly.

Beyond reasonable doubt. As others have said you need to know what the sequence is before you decide what way you're going to go.

Druid

RH, the guy seemed pretty competant. But he followed me for ages, at least 5 minutes before he pulled me. I got the sense that he thought I was speeding, from speaking to him, and the fact he followed me for ages - Although there wasn’t anywhere convenient to stop.

I would just take it on the chin, but like I said, I now cannot commit a traffic offence, or in this case run through an amber again - which isn't even illegal! As I'll be banned.

[Shellywoozle]

You have PM coming !

[Dave20046]

Before I start it's probably worth pointing out as you drive a KA you probably deserve it.
anyway, as said above he couldn't see the traffic light so it should be impossible for him to say - if it was me I'd be tempted to risk it in court, after doing as red herring says and going back and seeing what the copper could see.

I got pulled for the same thing once, copper was at oncoming waiting to turn right, I went through (just saw it turn amber as my front bumper was hitting the line) went through at 40mph (the speedlimit). Checked my mirrors and I saw the right turner in front of the cop continue to turn right (surely if it was red he should have been chasing this guy?!) anyway blues came on and he pulled me. Told me I went through a red (I ofcourse corrected him) and he told me I was booting it (in honesty it was a little too fast but it was within the speed limit so I didn't draw attention to it). Anyway I just denied it extremely politely at the road side, I think it was just a case of 'young guy in a car let's pull him' as he had a brief look over my car noted it was all standard and I was polite.

Ha! Dave - I'll be the first to take the Michael. Hence I call it the GAY-A.

It's my Dad's car and Dad's insurance. I also drive a brand new Golf, aswell as the SV(my bike, my insurance)

Would saying I don't usually drive it, am used to a brand new car and Mbike, with decent brakes, be an arguement to help my case in the fact that I didnt feel it safe to stop? I know it would be stupid to suggest my car's brakes arent the best!

The police man had this teach you a lesson attitude, which I found offensive. Just because I'm young. All I care about is cars, bikes and driving. The fact that I clocked him straight away, suggest I'm not clueless, like most KA drivers..... (Tempted for some sexist banter - but should keep this thread serious!!!)

I'd just take the hit and think twice in the future about my approach to traffic lights. I'm sure the method of approach is something like always expect the lights to change and always be prepared to stop. The fact you stated yourself you don't think you would have been able to stop in time sort of suggests you were approaching too fast anyway.

[Dave20046]

Was only banter mr ox I wouldn't mention that you deemed it unsafe to stop because you were used to other vehicles though as it sounds like you weren't completely in control. I'd just stick by saying , it wasn't safe to stop full stop (if that's what you believe) and that you didn't go through a red.

Originally Posted by Stig_Of_The_Dump

I'd just take the hit and think twice in the future about my approach to traffic lights. I'm sure the method of approach is something like always expect the lights to change and always be prepared to stop. The fact you stated yourself you don't think you would have been able to stop in time sort of suggests you were approaching too fast anyway.

"expect the lights to change but hope not to" was what I was taught, but same difference.
Doesn't necesarily mean he was going too fast even if you're prepared to stop and the lights turn amber as you're practically on the line (for example) it may be impossible to stop. If you can't stop, you can't stop. There's a difference between being prepared for them to change and waiting for them to change.

Dave just read my reply back! Sounds like im trying abit of 'well mines bigger than yours'. Didnt mean it like that!!! I'm all for the banter.

[punyXpress]

" Officer: I am going to check them now, and prove that whenever my lights are on amber, yours are always on red.

He did a U-ee after he'd finished with me. So im guessing he did as he said. "

Even if he did go back & look at the lights, how on earth could he ( alone in the car ) do this?