Telling the truth ...
Discussion
I was stopped a while ago for doing about 60 through a set of 40mph roadworks on a motorway. What was really stupid was that
1. I'd passed a marked police car a couple of miles earlier - he'd been doing 65 or so, I 70 ish.
2. I'd seen the 40 signs but didn't really take them in.
3. I was familiar with the roadworks and knew that the police liked to stop people there.
4. I actually agree with reduced speed limits around roadworks, having a construction background, and I generally try to keep to them.
Anyway, the truth was my mind was largely on other things and I was undoubtedly not paying enough attention.
So when I was stopped (by the same marked car I'd passed 3 mins earlier) and asked to comment I muttered about not having an excuse, and ended up with the not unreasonable £40 & 3 points (which will actually expire in three days, whooppee a 'clean' licence).
Question is this - if I'd said something like, I've had a bad day and was thinking of something else (ie the truth), could I have been charged with driving without due care and attention as well?
1. I'd passed a marked police car a couple of miles earlier - he'd been doing 65 or so, I 70 ish.
2. I'd seen the 40 signs but didn't really take them in.
3. I was familiar with the roadworks and knew that the police liked to stop people there.
4. I actually agree with reduced speed limits around roadworks, having a construction background, and I generally try to keep to them.
Anyway, the truth was my mind was largely on other things and I was undoubtedly not paying enough attention.
So when I was stopped (by the same marked car I'd passed 3 mins earlier) and asked to comment I muttered about not having an excuse, and ended up with the not unreasonable £40 & 3 points (which will actually expire in three days, whooppee a 'clean' licence).
Question is this - if I'd said something like, I've had a bad day and was thinking of something else (ie the truth), could I have been charged with driving without due care and attention as well?
Interesting thought there - you admitted your guilt and got on with it. If you had argued the toss then you might have got more (cant tell now). If things were more dubious then a "discussion" would be advisable - but seeing as there was guilt then fine...
Horses for courses - but I would have probably done the same. But if it was less obvious then I would certainly take it further....
Good point though
Cheers,
Paul
Horses for courses - but I would have probably done the same. But if it was less obvious then I would certainly take it further....
Good point though
Cheers,
Paul
Everytime, I've been stopped by the police, I knew why, and I told them what I did wrong. No excuses, nor lamentation.
NEVER got fined, even in Britain and France.
I think the officers get really pi55ed by people who are trying to fool them.
Give them respect, they'll return it.
Bodo
NEVER got fined, even in Britain and France.
I think the officers get really pi55ed by people who are trying to fool them.
Give them respect, they'll return it.
Bodo
Careless driving would not really have been appropriate in that situation, the definition is 'a standard of driving that falls below that of a careful and competant driver'so although you could argue that not paying attention fits the description it would not be normal to report someone with that offence. I have known careless and dangerous driving to be used for particulatly high speeds and even very high alcohol levels. With speed offences it is normal to use the FPN for speeds up to 25 mph above the limit over that it would be practice to report for summons, this is because it then gives the magistrates the option of upping the fine and points
Thanks - that's useful to know. Not that it'll happen again of course!
Am I right in thinking that "driving without due care and attention" is no longer a seperate, lesser, offence from careless driving?
For the record, the officers concerned were polite and professional throughout.
And there's F-all legroom in the back of a Vectra, especially if you're 6'2".
What could have been embarrassing was that a few days later I was due to meet the local traffic police to agree arrangements for a contraflow ... now if it had been the same guys who turned up ...
Am I right in thinking that "driving without due care and attention" is no longer a seperate, lesser, offence from careless driving?
For the record, the officers concerned were polite and professional throughout.
And there's F-all legroom in the back of a Vectra, especially if you're 6'2".
What could have been embarrassing was that a few days later I was due to meet the local traffic police to agree arrangements for a contraflow ... now if it had been the same guys who turned up ...
on point duty by driving through a puddle (or anyone else for that matter) all come under Section 3 Road Traffic Act 1988. It is the same offence just called different things.
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