Got a tug from the rozzers this morning...

LeeR · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

I was riding in a bus lane at 49mph and as I passed the patrol car his lights came on.

Thinking he'd "got a shout" I pulled over to let him through, which is when I realised he wanted me!

So anyway I get he usual, "do you know why I've stopped you?" and to be fair I was a little worried as I was riding a courtesy bike, a Kawasaki Z1000 on my way to pick up my bike and I thought there must have been something wrong with the bike.

I said "I have no idea officer"
He said "This lane here is a bus lane, and you're riding in it."
I said "Yes officer"
He said "It's a bus lane for a reason...blah, blah, blah"
I said "Yes officer, but I'm entitled to ride in the bus lane as the sign behind us clearly states. I also checked with the Highways Agency before the signs went up (Dec 08) if I would be entitled to use it on a motorcycle and have a letter at home to the effect that I could. I used to carry the letter before the signs went up but I didn't think they're be a need as there are now signs.
He said "Oh...well.. erm..I don't want you riding in the bus lane."
I said "Whilst I respect your professional opinion you are mistaken and if you have the time, as I do, we can walk back together and see for ourselves."
He said " I don't have the time, it's end of shift, blah, blah, blah. When you go on your way I want you to join the main carriageway."
I said "Fine officer, whatever you say."

I then took an eternity to replace my ear plugs, helmet, and gloves and as it wasn't my bike I struggled to get it into gear and pull away, all the time he was sat behind me holding up the buses.

I rejoined the carriageway and filtered all the way to the island where the last sign clearly stated that bikes were permitted in the bus lane.

I think this taught me a lesson...

And I shall make a complaint via the police motorcycle sargeant whom I know on a personal basis, as he is my advanced instructor.

(Incidentally the speed limit was 50 mph)
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L-Jam · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Karma :

Don't be such a pompous prick by complaining, you don't know every single detail of your job so how do you expect the copper to know every little rule about every street?

You were right, well done.
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Skudd · Super Spammer Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Karma :

Just send an advisory note to the Chief Inspector that you had to brief one of his officers on the local highways and correct them in thier assumptions.
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Charlie · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 May 2007 Karma :

I think he should complain. The cop should have just admitted he was wrong and let him continue in the bus lane... he was being a bell end because he was wrong.
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Mudskipper · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

The arrogance of the copper in not admitting he was wrong deserves a complaint. Thumbs Up

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Mr.Everready · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2003 Karma :

Why did you join the main carriageway again ? If you were allowed to ride in the bus lane you should have continued to do so.
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

ClaireBear · Traffic Copper Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

Lol bet the policeman was feeling like a muppet after Laughing

I dont see why he should stop you riding off in the bus lane after he had stopped you- your perfectly entitled to ride in it, so what was his problem?! Smile

Hetzer · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Karma :

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

ClaireBear · Traffic Copper Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Karma :

LeeR · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

The reason I joined the main carriageway is because as Map said that's what the officer had instructed me to do, and the last thing I wanted to do was incite him especially as he was probably feeling a bit embarrassed.

If he was a "nasty" bloke I reckon he could have made my life very difficult, if I'd ignored him.

I can accept that he doesn't know every area of his job, as I don't with my own, but I don't force my will on others and especially so when there is an element of doubt.

All he had to do was walk back to the sign with me, one of 3 he'd passed before he pulled me, but he chose not to.

I can also accept that it was the end of his shift and he was tired, maybe not as observant as he could/should have been.

And when I say complain, I mean I'll drop it into the conversation, you know that sometimes the police don't do themselves any favours etc...

I was in a good frame of mind as I was not in a rush to get to work and was on my way to pick-up my bike having ridden the Z1000 in torrential rain, things could only get better.
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