Whats the score here then?
Discussion
Hi,
When I go to work (work in newcastle) I go through Gateshead town centre. I drive past the civic centre and police station up to a set of traffic lights. I know you arent supposed to go right at the lights (even though there seems to be no logical reason for it that I can see), but its a good way of cutting out quite a bit of traffic, especially considering the silly amount of roadworks round the area recently.
I have been doing this for years without any problem, but in the last two days I have noticed that traffic wardens were waiting around the corner, and quite obviously wrote something in a notebook as I went past. They definetly were looking at my car, because they looked right at me, before and after I passed them.
What I want to know is, can I expect to receive a fine or points, or can they not prove it? I thought perhaps they were gearing up to try and catch people out, to see how many people were doing it and indeed if the same people were doing it each day (I would not be the only one).
I so hope I am not going to get fined for this (or points) as i am well skint, and also it seems like a really pointless and harmless thing to do to earn points or lose money.
What do you reckon?
Regards
Paul
When I go to work (work in newcastle) I go through Gateshead town centre. I drive past the civic centre and police station up to a set of traffic lights. I know you arent supposed to go right at the lights (even though there seems to be no logical reason for it that I can see), but its a good way of cutting out quite a bit of traffic, especially considering the silly amount of roadworks round the area recently.
I have been doing this for years without any problem, but in the last two days I have noticed that traffic wardens were waiting around the corner, and quite obviously wrote something in a notebook as I went past. They definetly were looking at my car, because they looked right at me, before and after I passed them.
What I want to know is, can I expect to receive a fine or points, or can they not prove it? I thought perhaps they were gearing up to try and catch people out, to see how many people were doing it and indeed if the same people were doing it each day (I would not be the only one).
I so hope I am not going to get fined for this (or points) as i am well skint, and also it seems like a really pointless and harmless thing to do to earn points or lose money.
What do you reckon?
Regards
Paul
Is there anything written in the road in white paint in 6 footlong letters like 'Ahead only' or a small blue circle on a traffic light pole with a white arrow pointing upwards.
You would be surprised how many people I stop when they have contravened a traffic sign who dont see the six foot lettering and do not understand the signs at junctions (or even see them).
I would be very surprised if you get any correspondance from the Police if it was traffic wardens.
If you know you shouldn't be doing it, then why complain if you do get a fine for doing so. Look at the bright side and if it does cost you £60, divide that into the number of times you have got away with it and saved time and aggravation and you may well have had very good value for money
You would be surprised how many people I stop when they have contravened a traffic sign who dont see the six foot lettering and do not understand the signs at junctions (or even see them).
I would be very surprised if you get any correspondance from the Police if it was traffic wardens.
If you know you shouldn't be doing it, then why complain if you do get a fine for doing so. Look at the bright side and if it does cost you £60, divide that into the number of times you have got away with it and saved time and aggravation and you may well have had very good value for money
quote:
Is there anything written in the road in white paint in 6 footlong letters like 'Ahead only' or a small blue circle on a traffic light pole with a white arrow pointing upwards.
You would be surprised how many people I stop when they have contravened a traffic sign who dont see the six foot lettering and do not understand the signs at junctions (or even see them).
Interesting point. Perhaps this would suggest that the signing is not particularly effective? There may be six foot lettering, but if it's not in a colour that the human eye can process quickly... makes it difficult.
Research has shown that people in red vehicles are more likely to be cut up. Why..? Red is at the end of the spectrum and the eye doesn't perceive it as well in the periphery...
Sorry, just playing devil's advocat here...
Why not look for the signs tomorrow morning and if there are, then worry, if not, you have peace of mind.Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated. FWIW I dont think the signage is very good, but perhaps I'll just avoid that area from now on, or possibly go straight ahead and see if theres any signs.
The thing is it definetly used to be no right turn, but I'm sure there wasnt a sign saying such on the traffic light pole, but there was at one point.
The thing is it definetly used to be no right turn, but I'm sure there wasnt a sign saying such on the traffic light pole, but there was at one point.
one track mind... 
I have just recieved the following letter x2 as I come home from a night on the beer.
Notice of Intended Prosecution / Request for information to identify driver of vehicle
At xx:xx hours on xx/xx/2002 motor vehicle registered number xXXXxxx was reported by a traffic warden at Highwest St/Charles St Gateshead where it is allegeded that the non endorsable offence of left/right hand turn where prohibited was commited.
Under section 1 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 I am required to give notice that proceedings may be taken against the driver for the alleged offence.
If you were the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence, you must provide your full name and address.
If you were not the driver then you must provide the full name and address of the person driving the vehicle or any information you have which may lead to the driver being identified.
You are required by law to supply the information requested within 28 days from the date of service of this notice. Failure to comply may result in court proceedings being taken and if convicted a fine of up to £1000 and the endoresement of your driving licence with 3 penalty points.
The information requested must be supplied on the reverse of this notice. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Please forgive any typos here, I am very drunk at the moment.
So, what can I expect now then, this looks v.nasty to me.
Notice of Intended Prosecution / Request for information to identify driver of vehicle
At xx:xx hours on xx/xx/2002 motor vehicle registered number xXXXxxx was reported by a traffic warden at Highwest St/Charles St Gateshead where it is allegeded that the non endorsable offence of left/right hand turn where prohibited was commited.
Under section 1 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 I am required to give notice that proceedings may be taken against the driver for the alleged offence.
If you were the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence, you must provide your full name and address.
If you were not the driver then you must provide the full name and address of the person driving the vehicle or any information you have which may lead to the driver being identified.
You are required by law to supply the information requested within 28 days from the date of service of this notice. Failure to comply may result in court proceedings being taken and if convicted a fine of up to £1000 and the endoresement of your driving licence with 3 penalty points.
The information requested must be supplied on the reverse of this notice. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Please forgive any typos here, I am very drunk at the moment.
So, what can I expect now then, this looks v.nasty to me.
quote:
So, what can I expect now then, this looks v.nasty to me.
Look on the bright side - it contains the magic words "where it is alleged that the non endorsable offence of left/right hand turn where prohibited was commited."
So it might cost you money, but no points. (Or am I confused??) Hey, as Madcop says, you got pretty good value if you've only been caught the once in all these years. It could all have been much worse.
quote:
Hopefully i wont get points, but i dont know, whats the likely outcome of this anyone in the know?
>> Edited by pbirkett on Saturday 5th October 08:12
If you get the offer of a fixed penalty ticket, take it. It will be £30 and has no points attached to it. If you are summonsed, you can expect around double that at Magistrates court (still no points). The plus in this is it will not affect your licence.
quote:
I thought that parking clowns/yellow slime are only allowed to report PARKING offences!?!?!?! I would think they're trying it on!! Advice from madcop or another BiB PHer please!!!!!!!!!
No, they have a slightly wider mandate than just parking offences. Obstruction, failing ot comply with traffic signs and directions by them, as well as excise offences are all included.
I am not sure whether they can deal with it via FPT through the post as it is non endorsable although I can see no reason why they shouldn't do so. I will find out.
They can stop you for traffic sign offences and issue tickets at the time.
quote:
madcop what chance do you reckon that i will get summonsed considering i did it and got caught twice, in your experience, and is there anything i could do to maybe ensure i only get the fixed penalty?
Cheers
You could phone the station where the T.W. works, ask to speak to the relevant T.W. that sent the form (identifiable through the number) and ask him/her if they propose to deal with the offence through the summons avenue or could you attend the station where they may issue you a non endorsable FPT in person, saving on any more paperwork. It might work, you can only try it.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff