Motorcycle Plod with hairdryers

[GJB]

Is it just me or has anyone noticed a big increase in the times we see motosycle plod with a hairdryer carrying out speed checks. Noticed it in various villages and saw one in Tenterden on Wednesday. Hi Viz jackets stand out nicely and helps if you are paying proper attention.

Anyone else spotted them out and about?

[Mr_annie_vxr]

GJB said:

Is it just me or has anyone noticed a big increase in the times we see motosycle plod with a hairdryer carrying out speed checks. Noticed it in various villages and saw one in Tenterden on Wednesday. Hi Viz jackets stand out nicely and helps if you are paying proper attention.

Anyone else spotted them out and about?

Kent have an area bike team that works in the villages and towns. They target areas where there are complaints about cars and bikes. They also carry out high visibility stuff like this. Most speed checks done by officers also result in the stopping of cars without insurance, generally, 1 or 2 out of every 10.

They also have access to some unmarked bikes.

[Number 7]

Mr_annie_vxr said:

Most speed checks done by officers also result in the stopping of cars without insurance, generally, 1 or 2 out of every 10.

Wow. 10 - 20% uninsured is a worry. Not disputing your figures, but it would be interesting to know whether these are really uninsured, or just appearing to be so because whatever database is being relied upon is either inaccurate or out of date when subsequent checks are made?

7.

Edited by Number 7 on Saturday 25th September 12:55

[Mr_annie_vxr]

We generally only take when they admit no insurance. Some have revoked licences etc.

You should remember that's only of those exceeding the prosecution threshold for the day. Which can be, although not always, 55 or more in a 40.

It's our experience in these checks that those that are committing more serious offences also generally commit some very basic ones.

Examples from speed checks. Chap wanted for sexual assault, disqualified drivers, drink drivers, burglars, going equipped etc.

You do also catch 'decent' people as well.

1-2 out of every ten is certinately what we see though. I've asked about other teams and they agree.

A lot of those with no searbelts or using phones are also driving without licences etc.

[GJB]

Pleased to hear the comments regarding targetting uninsured drivers and other low lifes. Personally I'd rather see someone who is maybe driving well and maybe a bit over the speed limit on a wide open road than someone who is uninsured, using a hand held phone and no seat belts. If these guys are hi viz and targeting areas such as tight village roads and maybe outside schools then I would be all for it. Would rather see Motor Cycle Police doing this than the Scamera Partnerships that have been so slated over the years.

Edited by GJB on Sunday 26th September 17:53

[Inverness]

GJB said:

Is it just me or has anyone noticed a big increase in the times we see motosycle plod with a hairdryer carrying out speed checks. Noticed it in various villages and saw one in Tenterden on Wednesday. Hi Viz jackets stand out nicely and helps if you are paying proper attention.

Anyone else spotted them out and about?

They are always about when ever there is a bike meet at the oakdeane cafe at Wrotham Heath, normally a couple at the cafe and then some as you go up the hill towards Wrotham village.

[neiljohnson]

Im all for these its better to target areas where there is a genuine problem rather than sticking a camera where it will generate the most money!