Safe Speed Forums

Unusually today I complained to the local force near me about a Police riders actions !
I can usually analyse a 'forgiveable' reason or that something wasn't too serious but this was.

Basically I was on a DC and police rider had been 'in the mirror' for a while as he slowly caught up. Passed me and heading for the one car up ahead before the roundabout.
He had approached the 'small black car (driver only occupant)' with some (but fair) confidence and I think he expect him to use L1, however he didn't. The car has already indicated R to take the 3rd exit off the R/bout and cop also has R indicator on.
Then much to my surprise the cop undertakes the small black car still indicating R and then he pulled back into the L2 ! Action took I'd estimate 4 to 5 seconds - no messing just undertook him !
Although there was no danger to any other road user, of the chap had decided to go left and had not seen the copper he might have side swiped him !
The the cop takes the middle lane at the r/bout and goes R.

Now if any MOP had done this we'd probably be facing points, costs or even all the stress of a Court case. I was disgusted. I tried to figure out if I had at all seen any indication from him that he wished to pull the chap over or any flash but nothing and nothing after either.

He had ridden fine from everything else that I saw. When we entered the town I had seen him glance at a side road and then the did a 'u-turn' round the mini r/bout ahead and went back. No probs all calm and careful ensuring that all road users had recognised his 'u-turn' as it were...

So it seemed really odd that he had done this odd manoeuvre on a neigh empty DC.
Anyway it bothered me so I called and reported it to the local force to pass on to the Traffic - or ANPR team. I stressed that I wanted follow up on this and said who I am etc.
I later had a call from the Sergeant that runs the Unit. He was helpful and concerned. I re-explained what I had seen and he said that they had had a brief chat with him about it (in essence) he claimed that all he could think of was when approaching the r/bout he had taken L! and then the small car had slowed and had then taken the lane to go onto the r/bout.
Twaddle. He definitely undertook, plan as day and then they were both only after this then braking ... I was watching closely !

He made no attempt to go into L3 either but I am a bit less worried about that !

Shameful ... they will call me back tomorrow and I have asked to speak with him directly !
However, I don't think that they will do this. I hope the chap in the car complains. He did a L and went off as we got into the town and never got his number plate.
I didn't want to stop the chap not sure that would have been wise ... but I kinda wish I had ....

Anyone else ever complained ?
The lady I was visiting said that they had seen some terrible driving from Police describing it as overtaking on a bend .... but I know that if you are out and alert you might easily do this with perfect vision but to others it may look different.... but I don't know those details ....

_________________
Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

No, never had the bottle!

I do, however, think police driving standards aren't what they used to be. Nothing terribly "bad" just general sloppiness sometimes - failing to indicate or indicating half way through a manoeuvre. Dammit! I've even seen them exceeding the speed limit on occasions! (without their blues & twos on)!

Never complained

Flashed a couple of Police cars for not having headlights turned on at night.

_________________
Driving fast is for a particular time and place, I can do it I just only do it occasionally because I am a gentleman.
- James May

Fair enough !

_________________
Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

I've complained about police parking before, given that an awful lot of emergency calls seem to take place at chip shops with double yellow lines outside near teatime. I was told that they were better than us and I should not dare complain.

Really ?! Did you get the person's name ? That seems quite incredible.

Apart from my initial discussion with the Sargent there has been nothing since which is disappointing.

_________________
Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

I complained about a police car driving around with front fogs on when it was a perfectly clear night...

Duty Sergeant's reply was I don't know why he's got them on, it's really clear outside tonight... I'll put a notice up in the staff room to remind them.

_________________
Mike

I have been escorted by police before through traffic to get to an incident and have also been front passenger in a traffic car, both with b&t's on; I did not like either experience and had to keep telling myself "they know what they're doing".

The section bobbies though are no better drivers at speed than granny tibs. Saw a plod van come through the junction outside our office at speed last week, turning right. Nearly lost it on the turn, over corrected and was literally inches (not exaggerating either) from a car waiting in queue in the opposite direction. A complete fool and its just a shame I dont have a camera phone.

Although my new car will be fitted with front side and rear video cameras

That all sound very interesting ! Care to enlighten us ? Most Police don't have extra training which I think is wrong when they have to act fast they have no training to fall back on at all, but we have no idea about that van drivers level of knowledge or training.

The daylight fogs too is pretty appalling ! When you reported it did you get any follow up or insist as I made a point of saying that I would.

I have now had a call back from the Sergeant and they are sending the chap on a Biker Refresher course. I have invited him in here and told them of the discussion too, so hopefully he may visit and post one day. I would still like to talk with him about his actions though and try to understand what was going on in detail ...

_________________
Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.