poontang Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 Its the details that count....charged with same offence, method of warning may be different but nevertheless, same case law applies. From your quote of proceedings: 'Here it was accepted that there was no evidence that anybody acted in response to the warning and nobody was detected speeding' The reason that case failed was due to the above. My point is that if the police do have evidence of anybody acting in response (photo/video)to Thompsons actions then the Glendinning case cannot be used as a defence. As I said earlier we don't know the full evidence submitted to the court, so we'll have to wait for the appeal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprackles Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 From your quote of proceedings: 'Here it was accepted that there was no evidence that anybody acted in response to the warning and nobody was detected speeding' The reason that case failed was due to the above. My point is that if the police do have evidence of anybody acting in response (photo/video)to Thompsons actions then the Glendinning case cannot be used as a defence. As I said earlier we don't know the full evidence submitted to the court, so we'll have to wait for the appeal. Well as a local to this area and as someone who knows Tommo....he's been well and truly stitched up. The local solicitors commented to reporters it was disgraceful, local bobbies are questioning it as are many commentators in various papers and TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Holliday Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 I think the police have to prove whether the intention was there for the guy issuing a warning to other drivers. As it happens, the guy has already admitted he was warning other drivers by flashing his lights. The highway code gives the meaning of flashing one's lights as to make other road users aware of your prescence, just as sounding your horn does. The rules of the road dictate that flashing your lights are a warning to other motorists, just as when someone flashes me when I'm going down a country lane I'll assume that a horse & rider or other obstruction is ahead. As a rule, I don't or won't flash someone just for the sake of it. I think if people get caught speeding it is their own fault and they should take responsibility for their actions. Having said that, Kent Police have a stand at the County show. They usually have a theme on speeding and their motto is "We're not trying to catch you speeding, we're trying to stop you from speeding". Given that, I think everyone should have one speeding caution then get points/fines after that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprackles Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 I agree with you Doc but the highway code is just that...a code not Law and should anyone try to tell you otherwise, they are spreding the bull manure. Have a read of that link I posted to an article in the New Statesman...a lawyer wrote it...makes interesting reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 would you as the employer of the policeman (your taxes)be happy for him to stand there with his speed gun for a couple of hours doing nothing because every driver has been warned of his presence,no I don't think so. No, but I'm also not happy about them standing around for hours persecuting motorists instead of doing some real police work anyway!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Holliday Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 Good article and well argued by the writer. The ultimate point would be would those that Thompson warned apply what he had learned them in future or would they rely on the act of another "good samaritan" warning of a speed trap ahead? How many of those he warned even continued to drive within the speed limit after they had passed the police or even later in the day? That is something we'll never know. As with so much in life, there will be arguements for and against on both parties it just depends on what side of the fence you are sitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vermincinerator Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 On this occaision they may not have collared a speeder, so to make it worthwhile someone else has to pay Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 No, but I'm also not happy about them standing around for hours persecuting motorists instead of doing some real police work anyway!! so you'd like no speed limits basically? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdubya Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 so you'd like no speed limits basically? more like I would like appropriate speed limits and the correct policing of!! I live near a school my road is signed and designated 20mph does anyone do it? like hell they do,is it policied? is it hell, I also travel a relatively busy but open road every day to work it is known as a fast road and only recently a motorcyclist and a woman rear seat CAR passenger were killed when the bike travelling at an extimated 120 (its 60mph limit) slammed into the side of the car (the judge said I kid you not "speed played no part in the accident" this is sadly not the first fatal at this spot! so do they set up speed traps at the site? or show greater police presence? nope they set traps were they always have ie 30 yards AFTER the 60mph limit changes to 30mph and where there has NEVER EVER been an accident, still more people use that stretch,as another road feeds there so more chance of revenue,seems its easier to police this spot than to actually police a spot that has killed and WILL kill again, its one of the reasons I dont believe in anyform whatsoever the title "safety camera's" and in truth why a lot of local authorities now they dont get so much back are ditching carmera's, that tells a tale does it not? KW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) so you'd like no speed limits basically? Yes, that is exactly what I am saying Alex However, I do think speed limits are most definately outdated, fair enough around schools etc but on motorways and dual carriageways they are no longer fitting to the vehicles of today. They keep trotting out the 'speed kills' chestnut as it is in their interests that the public believe this to be true. Speed does not kill, INAPPROPRIATE speed kills and there is a world of difference between the two as the latter is driven by negligent driving and not being aware of the road. To have police standing around with a speed camera is a huge waste of public money as they are only there in case a speeder comes along. What if none do? Then the taxpayer has had to pay for two coppers to basically sit in a car all day. It is the same as me spending an hour doing a survey and charging for 8 hours as I spent the other 7 sat in my car in case a rare bird flew over the site. My clients certainly wouldn't stand for it and I don't see why the police force should expect us (the client) to do so. If the spot needs a speed camera then put one there, if a static camera is NOT required then this is the police wasting time and money as there would be one there if there was a problem. Edited January 5, 2011 by 955i Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) so from that story we know they weren't only prosecuting people for inappropriate speed and weren't at an accident blackspot? and indeed that it was a handheld gun attached to a police officer not a mobile camera operated by a civilian the facts in that story are tragically woeful all we know is he got caught warning people and used every possible excuse to get off it in the process wasting a huge amount of public money as for bunging a static camera there yeah that works as everyone local just slows down for it and then goes back to their original speed Edited January 5, 2011 by al4x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 more like I would like appropriate speed limits and the correct policing of!! I live near a school my road is signed and designated 20mph does anyone do it? like hell they do,is it policied? is it hell, I also travel a relatively busy but open road every day to work it is known as a fast road and only recently a motorcyclist and a woman rear seat CAR passenger were killed when the bike travelling at an extimated 120 (its 60mph limit) slammed into the side of the car (the judge said I kid you not "speed played no part in the accident" this is sadly not the first fatal at this spot! so do they set up speed traps at the site? or show greater police presence? nope they set traps were they always have ie 30 yards AFTER the 60mph limit changes to 30mph and where there has NEVER EVER been an accident, still more people use that stretch,as another road feeds there so more chance of revenue,seems its easier to police this spot than to actually police a spot that has killed and WILL kill again, its one of the reasons I dont believe in anyform whatsoever the title "safety camera's" and in truth why a lot of local authorities now they dont get so much back are ditching carmera's, that tells a tale does it not? KW and yet you're having a dig when they are attempting to police a limit, you really cannot please some people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) As a side note, in 24 years of driving (including cars and motorbikes), I have not once felt any threat from the speeds people are doing. However there are numerous times when I have felt in danger from people driving at or below the limit but doing it badly (eg changing lanes erratically without looking or indicating, pulling out without looking, slowing and turning without indicating, tailgating, cutting in front and taking up my safe braking space etc). Edited January 5, 2011 by 955i Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuddster Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 955i, if you take it upon yourself to ride to the max performance of your machine thats your choice. But the law of the land still stands if you get caught. Just because we live in the age of speed surely common sense must prevail. As for the comments of easy hits on the easy speeders-the way I see it, is the police hit the habitual and continual speeders who cannot or will not stick to the limits. Safe riding, fudd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 As a side note, in 24 years of driving (including cars and motorbikes), I have not once felt any threat from the speeds people are doing. However there are numerous times when I have felt in danger from people driving at or below the limit but doing it badly (eg changing lanes erratically without looking or indicating, pulling out without looking, slowing and turning without indicating, tailgating, cutting in front and taking up my safe braking space etc). Oh well there is the answer, do away with all speed limits and there will never be another accident. What a bloody numptie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loader Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 Just tipical of the law in this great land of ours, the police in my mind do not anwser to any one, must be the only insituion in the land that is not policed. nicking some one for slowing the traffic down says it all ...... i know what i mean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 As a side note, in 24 years of driving (including cars and motorbikes), I have not once felt any threat from the speeds people are doing. However there are numerous times when I have felt in danger from people driving at or below the limit but doing it badly (eg changing lanes erratically without looking or indicating, pulling out without looking, slowing and turning without indicating, tailgating, cutting in front and taking up my safe braking space etc). I have and still do, my last house on a quiet country lane that turned into a rat run at commuting times was frankly scary, and even the current one on a quiet village high street with lots of parked vehicles at night becomes a race track. So though you don't believe in limits there are places people don't just need a NIP issued they need a good kicking to get the message in as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdubya Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 and yet you're having a dig when they are attempting to police a limit, you really cannot please some people no I aint some people cant read? KW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 no I aint some people cant read? It would appear not mate, I have now been twice accused of wanting to do away with speed limits altogether and once accused of riding my bike at the peak of its performance, neither of which I have said or insinuated I do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuddster Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 955i, I take it you choose a 955i for its eye pleasing cosmetics or its shiny headlight over the performance aspect? Sorry, but this ex-biker (last was a gsxr6 which I did choose for its performance) does quite buy it. Enjoy. fudd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
955i Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) 955i, I take it you choose a 955i for its eye pleasing cosmetics or its shiny headlight over the performance aspect? Sorry, but this ex-biker (last was a gsxr6 which I did choose for its performance) does quite buy it. Enjoy. fudd No, I have the 955i by default as I had a Speed Triple 1050 but had to sell it to buy my son's first bike as I had promised and took the Daytona in part ex. Its not really my kind of bike as the handlebar position makes my wrists and thumbs ache (arthritis ) but still wanted a Triumph and this was all the dealer had. And if honest, I did take it for looks over performance. Not all bikers are after massive top end Edited January 5, 2011 by 955i Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laird Lugton Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) As a side note, in 24 years of driving (including cars and motorbikes), I have not once felt any threat from the speeds people are doing. Either you've not been driving on planet earth or you've a complete lack of situational awareness to appreciate the dangers around you. 21 years of driving in Britain and many, many times I've felt threatened by the speeds some people are doing. Edited January 5, 2011 by Laird Lugton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boromir Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Police do a fine job you call them out and they're there whenever you need them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprackles Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 (edited) Police do a fine job you call them out and they're there whenever you need them. Lol, I love your sense of humour. And on a more serious note and getting back on track. My local Rag, The Grimsby Evening Telegraph has this report today.....all you doubters note that a former magistrate has contacted the paper and offered to help the appeal. Says it all really. grimsby_telegraph Image: grimsby_telegraphThursday, January 06, 2011, 09:00 SUPPORT has poured in from across the country for a Grimsby driver who was fined for attempting to warn other motorists of a police speed trap. After the Grimsby Telegraph reported on the plight of Michael Thompson – who is facing a £440 court bill for flashing his lights at on coming traffic on Laceby Road to alert them of the speed camera – the story has attracted a blaze of national publicity. As reported, the 64-year-old of Augustine Avenue, was convicted of obstructing a policewoman in the execution of her duty following a trial at Grimsby Magistrates Court. Not only did the news prompt a flurry of support from readers commenting on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk, it has since appeared in the The Sun, Daily Mail, The Times, Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. It was also discussed on BBC Breakfast, Talksport radio station and by Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2, and featured on several TV news bulletins. A former magistrate has been in touch with the Grimsby Telegraph to say he would help Mr Thompson with his appeal. And Mr Thompson, who has also been promised financial help in appealing the decision from a number of sources – including UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Godfrey Bloom – has found the support "very encouraging". Edited January 6, 2011 by Sprackles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilentKill Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 Makes me chuckle the councils have to publish the days they will be placing mobile speed cameras in the county so in effect they are doing the same job! (although exact locations are not published) check out this link? surely its the same principal! Herts Speed Cam locations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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