Compulsory breath tests and offices in Volvos

[Mr Hammers]

According to a neighbour who drives a coach for a living, motoring law is being changed considerably in the near future. He and his driver colleagues were all given reams of info to read up on about the new laws.

One of these changes is more power will be given to police in respect of dishing out fines and points at the roadside. It seems that they're waiting on delivery of a whole bunch of specialist Volvos, that have what amounts to a fully functioning office in the boot. They'll be able to stop you, fine you, and add the points to your licence while-you-wait, thereby circumnavigating the courts.

While I can see this as a good idea in one way, it'll clear the courts up so they can start dealing with more important matters more quickly, it is a little worrying that any defence you might have can be instantly dismissed by a policeman, and not a magistrate.

Also, and again I'm not sure I can see this happening (but with the Labour govt these days, who knows..) is that if you don't have the money or ability to pay up there and then, they'll be able to impound the vehicle, until it (and presumably the fee charged for taking it in the first place) has been paid.

Supposedly, this is to combat the increasing numbers of foreign cars that break the laws and get away scot-free. Polish vehicles are the worst for it, he reckons.

Another change was that from now on, anyone pulled for any reason must subject themselves to a breathalyser test. I didn't really believe him, until another neighbour was pulled that day (no seatbelt) and was breathalysed for no apparent reason, so now I'm not so sure. If it is true, it seems quite a ridiculous strategy, seeing as 99% of people won't be driving under the influence (I'm guessing 99% or thereabouts).

I'd be interested to hear if anyone who has been pulled in the last couple of days, has had to give a breath test..?
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[multijoy]

I'd find it hard to believe that you won't be allowed to refuse a roadside penalty- that'd be tantamount to being forced to accept a caution, surely?

Mind you, did he say police or VOSA? If it's the latter, nothing would surprise me- I've heard some horror stories from colleagues about them!

If it's the former, quiz your neighbour or, even better, get some pics/titles of the docs they've been given- enquiring minds want to know!
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[Kwaks]

Unfortunately I have also heard some of these proposals.
I also likened them to Judge Dredd.

Gone would be the chance to defend yourself in court etc etc
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[Pete.]

[JP7]

If you commit any sort of moving traffic offence (including seatbelts), or if the police have reason to suspect you've had a drink, they have the power to breathalyse you.

Presumably there would be a power of appeal against a roadside conviction, surely? I can't see a policy of instant retribution working in practice without the chance to appeal.

[Mr Hammers]

[yuri2085]

[pa_broon74]

I always thought it was standard practice in Scotland, if you get stopped, you get breathalysed. They have to have justifiable cause for stopping you in the first place, but two officers saying "he swerved" satisfies that aspect of things.

It's always been down to the officers discretion anyway, if you get stopped late at night/on the morning commute, you'll get breathalysed. Perhaps not in the middle of the day though.

I don't agree with the general fraying of due process that seems to be going on these days. As has been mentioned, the police do very little to instill a sense of confidence.

Also, that whole thing about the police being a civilian force, not a paramilitary one? Ok, one assumes you wouldn't be getting beaten by bamboo sticks in a laybe on the M40, but you could find yourself getting beaten and persued by a relentless beauracratic machine. I was going to say that would be just as bad, obviously it wouldn't but thats no justification.


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Didn't catch anything.

[Nixon]

[Gazdaman]

If you want a trial, you'll always be allowed a trial. That's in the Human Rights legislation.

I don't think it's a particularly good idea. There's nothing wrong with the system of issueing tickets as it stands. If you accept it, your licence just gets endorsed by someone working for court service.

I can see very few benefits.

And also, all breath tests are compulsory, assuming you've been 'required' to provide one. And there are only a few situations when that can happen. Either the officer suspects you have alcohol in your system, you've committed a road traffic offence or you've had an accident.

Gaz

[qwerty killer]

Dam!!! they can put points on at the road. Its simple dont break the law......
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[Hetzer]

Nothing to hide, nothing to fear.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[Kickstart]

[pa_broon74]

[WildGoose]

We are several billion in the hole, the country needs money, as quickly and efficiently collected as possible. Enter the motorist, on average a wealthy, upstanding and gullible sort.

I have observed a camera van in use in at least one location, every single day without fail since the budget, and I do not cover a large area geographically speaking.

I'm expecting much more of this sort of carry on.
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[pa_broon74]

[Ste]

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/Heimdal_88/Heil_Hitler.gif

[qwerty killer]

I have seen some of the most stupidly placed speed cameras while on the road........









But then i just think im not speeding.


"(I'm assuming your young.)" Why thank you.
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[qwerty killer]

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