antera309 wrote:
My point is, isn't the purpose of the Police to help reduce the fear in people's lives? They are the cause of most of the fear in mine. I haven't felt like this since I was bullied at school.
For once, I actually have something good to say about the old bill.
Back in April of this year, I was clocked (by an unmarked police car) doing between 36 - 38mph in a 30 zone, and between 46 - 48 in a 40 zone (in reality, around 8 - 10mph over the posted limit according to my speedo).
The scenario.....
Approx 10:30pm in the evening, along the London Road in Waterlooville, Hants.
Now those of you that know this particular road, will know that it runs from Horndean to Waterlooville.
The speed limit starts off at 40mph in Horndean, drops to a 30 halfway down where there is a parade of shops, and then goes back up to a 40 all the way in to Waterlooville town centre. I should add that this particular road is more than wide enough to accomodate at least 3 cars side by side if needs be with plenty of room to spare.
Anyway, I leave Horndean one night heading to Waterlooville to drop some friends off. It was around 10:30 pm (almost pub leaving time), and the road was empty (apart from myself and the copper following me).
I eventually get the tug in Waterlooville town centre, I switch the car off and get out, and the conversation goes like this.....
Me: Allright mate, what's up?
Copper: Good evening sir, do you mind if I ask where you are heading?
Me: Just dropping some friends off at home, then heading back home to Horndean myself
Copper: Do you know why I have stopped you sir?
Me: At a guess, probably because I was "toeing" it a little down the London Rd. Now I want to make this clear mate, I know I was breaking the speed limit, but the road is very well lit, is wider than the English Channel, and you & me were the only ones there......now if you are going to do me for speeding then fair enough, but I'm sure you have better things to be doing at this time of night.
Copper: No sir, I'm not going to do you for speeding. Even though you were still doing between 36 - 38 mph in the 30 zone, I noticed that you actually acknowledged the change in speed limit and I have no problem with your standard of driving.
What I am more interested in is whether you have been drinking or not this evening?
Me: No mate, I haven't had a drop.
Copper: I take it you have no objection to providing a specimen of breath for me then sir?
Breath test conducted & passed, the usual questions about insurance & MOT (documents shown), and then the cheery parting message of "drive safely & watch your speed sir"
Long story short, that is the sort of enforcement we need to see on the roads if the "establishment" want to earn back the motorists respect.