Sidelock Posted March 7, 2009 Report Share Posted March 7, 2009 I have SGC and FAC. But have never been lamping. I have the offer to go out with a couple of guys who have been lamping for years. It sounds interesting and I would like to start foxing. The question I have is this. They have told me that they drive around the farm tracks and also drive along the public roadways that surround the farm. If they see a fox they pull off the roadway and into a gateway to shoot it. The last thing I want to do is end up losing my certificates so before I accept the offer to go with them I would like some advice on the legality of this please. Ben. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeh Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 It's illegal. You've got to be at least 50ft from the center of a public highway, so, I'm guessing being in a gateway, you won't be more than 50ft away, hence you're issue. It's eaisly solved by just driving a few extra metres into you're gateway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 It's illegal.You've got to be at least 50ft from the center of a public highway, so, I'm guessing being in a gateway, you won't be more than 50ft away, hence you're issue. It's eaisly solved by just driving a few extra metres into you're gateway. Not right. It's illegal to shoot within 50 feet of the centre of a carriageway if it interrupts or causes distress. Late at night, if there's noone about and the outside of the gateway belongs to the landowner, then whats the problem. The more rural the better. In some counties the police and public are more tolerant. Now if they're shooting from the road or any other property not belonging to their landowner, they may be committing armed trespass or at least having a loaded firearm in a public place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 Two points worth noting. Any ancillary lights (not appropriate here, but except fog) must be linked to the main-beam circuit so they automatically go out when dip-beam is selected on the public highway. Obviously, you wont be driving about with a loaded gun. Loaded to us is one up the spout. However, to the law when in a public place (ie the road) or even private property to which the public have access at the relevant time, loaded means a charged magazine fitted to the gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 Obviously, you wont be driving about with a loaded gun. Loaded to us is one up the spout. However, to the law when in a public place (ie the road) or even private property to which the public have access at the relevant time, loaded means a charged magazine fitted to the gun. Not quite right. A charged magazine can be in your pocket and the rifle can still be considered loaded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 Hi,Sidelock, I believe that Davey K is correct in what he says. With regard to the charged magazine, if it was on the rifle, you could well be in trouble if for whatever reason the law arrived. If it was in your pocket or vehicle stowage, considering where you were, the time of day and what you were doing, you might get away with "reasonable excuse". It was my intention just to point out the difference between the legal interpretation of "loaded" and what we shooters usually mean. Enjoy your lamping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeh Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 In particular, care should be taken when siting Guns near roads. Section 161 of the Highways Act 1980 (England & Wales) makes it an offence to discharge a firearm within 50 ft of the centre of a highway with vehicular rights without lawful authority or excuse, if as a result a user of the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered. I think personal pest control isn't an excuse. Something like dispatching a RTA Deer is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 In particular, care should be taken when siting Guns near roads. Section 161 of the Highways Act 1980 (England & Wales) makes it an offence to discharge a firearm within 50 ft of the centre of a highway with vehicular rights without lawful authority or excuse, if as a result a user of the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered. I think personal pest control isn't an excuse. Something like dispatching a RTA Deer is. Going about your lawful business ie sport shooting, is deemed a lawful excuse. The offence only occurs when you discharge your firearm and someone using the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 if as a result a user of the highway is injured, interrupted or endangered. most important bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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