Program about speeding on BBC 1 (Car Wars)

Program about speeding on BBC 1 (Car Wars)

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andytk

Original Poster:

1,553 posts

273 months

Wednesday 3rd April 2002
quotequote all
This may already have been chewed over somewhere else in this section but I thought I'd bring it up again.

I'm watching the program on BBC one just now about the cops and motorists (Car Wars). It is focusing on the scottish devisions. (I'm not sure if the program is even broadcast in England)

Anyway, in the program there is a section on the highlands in which, because they have no gatsos, they have a mobile white van with a laser gun/camera in it.
Now I was under the impression that this device was only allowed to point at the front of the oncoming vehicle to take a reading. The idea being that you would see the van in the distance and have a fighting chance to slow down. However in the program the cop was using the laser at passing cars pointing it at the back of the car as it passes.
My question is does this mean that if I was to purchase a (laser) jammer I would have to have one on the back as well? Thus doubling the cost. Also if the laser is pointing at the rear of your vehicle and your detector/jammer is at the front then you're not going to get a warning that you are being "painted".

Furthermore this program also went on about how stealthy the van approach was and how many poeple get caught. Scuse me but how the hell is this helping that particular section of road? You don't get stopped, you just end up with a ticket 2 weeks later and you can't even remember being there.

I drive to mountain bike events up north (I live in Glasgow) and the roads up there on a good day are without doubt some of the best in the country. When I do drive up I am especially aware of unmarked cars but this is just the final straw. This van can park on either side of the road (ie. not necassarily your side) and still nail you.
So is there any legal requirement that it points at the front of your vehicle?

buggerit I'm off to make a laser seeking missile....

Andy
Speed kills...so get out of my way

hertsbiker

6,371 posts

278 months

Wednesday 3rd April 2002
quotequote all
the whole situation is disgusting. You're quite right, you will have no recollection, apart from a kind memento photo the filth send to you.

I say filth, because the people that hide in vans like this are low life scum, unlike the upright and decent Traffic cops who show their colours. A visible Traffic cop is both a threat, deterant, and point of safety, and is generally respected by all.

As for the snipers in vans, well - in the war we used to shoot the enemy if they were discovered in "civvie" clothes.....

C

andytk

Original Poster:

1,553 posts

273 months

Wednesday 3rd April 2002
quotequote all
yeah, it's worth saying that I don't mind marked and unmarked cars. And I do have respect for most traffic cops as they do have to deal with loads of loonies.
(as the program did prove)

My favourite bit of the program was the bit where a caravan tips over taking a 4x4 with it.
Mahahahaha
(that shows how much repect I have for shed pullers)

Andy