Safe Speed Forums

I got pulled in by Hampshires finest this afternoon. When asked what I'd been stopped for I was told they were stopping all bikers (as one whizzed past behind) and they were entitled to under the RTA. He then went on to explain that they were addressing the high number of bikers KSI'd in the county. Fair enough I though, after all its got to be better than a speed trap, so I decided to go along with it and not be a pain in the arse.

First check was my tax disk, he wanted me to remove it from the holder. I told him I needed an allen key and there was no point anyway, as it was a photocopy. He started on about it being an offence with a £40 fine, and when I explained that I only leave a copy on the bike due to theft in the past and nothing being done about it, this seemed to only get his back up.

Next on his list was the E-marks on my exhaust, my reg plate and he wanted to see my licence (all legit). He then has a go for wearing a dark visor on what must have been the sunniest day of the year. He radios my details through, gets the ok, and hands me a flyer for the new version of Bikesafe saying I'm free to go.

I don't think they could have offended me much further really. I mean, how many of the KSI in Hampshire were due to an out of date tax disk, small plate or loud can. None I bet. A complete shower of a 'safety' inspection, didn't once look at my tyres, brakes, lights etc... You know, the things that really matter, but then this grunt didn't care (probably just counting the overtime). He didn't even mention speeding (which if you believe the figures count for 1/3 of all accidents)

I'm seriously considering writing in to complain about this farce, considering I'm paying for this (a glorified admin exercise aimed at bikers).

No, I think you left as an annoyed biker, and quite rightly so.
Just one point on your tax disc, is there any way you could carry the original, for instance, in your wallet, albeit, I totally agree with the photocopy, illegal though it may be.
I got stopped on a VOSA check a few weeks back, polite, friendly and plenty of free advice, maybe it should be VOSA doing these checks, they wouldn't miss the odd headlight missing.

At loss over this one! Cos seems a bit of a nonsense from way you describe it! Sure this is unbiased account?

But if the pull was pure safety issues (and have done those in the past and er - upset folks ), would have prowled around inspecting your brakes, lights, etc, and then asked some questions about your attitude to general safety awareness, pointing out all the highlights of "Bikesafe", encouraging you to re-read both this and the HC!

If it had been me, I would have checked the documents, commented on the tax disc copy , and given polite lecture on legal aspects and given some tips as to maintaining security, and reporting stolen discs to us!

How far can things go before lasting damage is done?

I could be wrong here but I think Chill might also be a VD'er

Another smash on the A272 yesterday ... it's a bit of a mystery how it could have happened.