Received one these suicidal notes today. Has ruined my entire day.
I am thinking of challenging this in court. Has anyone any experience of this, in either passing a Red Light or riding on the pavement? Any tips what might be up against?
Second question, any idea why a warden may want to conceal his ID, after taking mine?
Is there CCTV of you jumping a red light or riding on the pavement?
In answer to question 2 - he might have wanted to avoid any comeback. People with some kind of authority getting away with unjust actions by making themselves unaccountable for those actions is not an entirely new thing.
I have his badge number but he refused to give me his name and took his name badge off when asked.
I am sure there is a CCTV somewhere. I am not too concerned about whether this was captured on CCTV or not as I happened to be coasting to cross a one-way road with only purpose to land on the other side. I fail to understand why pavements are ramped like this.
When having to deal with lawdens of such like, surely the fixed penalty stands zero ground in the first place.
Did you do the deed in question? If you did I'd say swallow your annoyance at having smeared your day and cough up soon as you can, then you can forget about it, as unfortunately the fixed penalty is supposed to be all about making you responsible for your actions. Left unpaid I'm sure you know these things rack up in price quite quickly, so whatever you do don't do nothing. Boring I know.
I was coasting to cross the road only to be stopped at the other end before I had a chance to dismount. The officer then asked my details and started filling in a ticket without any notice.
The whole situation seemed heavy handed and it felt plain wrong. I'm not for one running redlights or riding on pavements. Though I've seen plenty others do it more than often -- sometimes I feel I'm the only thickhead abiding by the rules.
Not to mention the way I was treated. If the matter is worth a complaint, I should take my complaint to court.
whoops. Define coasting. Sounds like youdunnit. Ps. my pal molemann once described being a bicycle courier as being a 'professional scumbag'. He was right. Revel in it sure, but sometimes you got to get on and pay for the label.
Who gave you a ticket? Cop? PCSO? Civil Enforcement Officer (parking warden)?
if its the first two, then their name will be on the ticket along with the cop shop they're based at, if the old bill or PCSO's stop you and ask for your name then your perfectly entitled to know theirs and they are well aware of this.
As far as I am aware Parking Wardens do not issue tickets to cyclists and never have done.
You have 28 days to pay or elect to go to court, if you seriously believe that you are not guilty of the alleged offence. If the JP finds in your favour then you've had a result, minus the day off you've had to take in order to attend court. Justice will have been served.
If, on the other hand the JP feels that the fixed penalty was warranted then he has the ability to fine you up to £500, (riding on pavement) Not sure of other offences but probably similar.
Generally speaking JP will side with authority, no surprise there, He/She will hand out maximum fine for you dicking around with authority/wasting time.
On a plus side, it a civil offence, no criminal record.
Nothing wrong with any of the answers given. No offense taken and views respectfully appreciated.
However, if only more people would chime in to provide a better account of their experiences. I know many couriers off hand who've received tickets on the fly. Surely more than a few have contested a ticket??
I am undecided what to do. Looking at the case objectively I feel I should follow up on it. But then I should weigh it according to just the sheer hassle involved of it, not to mention taking a day off work for participation. Whatever I plan to do I expect to provide feedback on the whole experience for all to share. I hope others could do the same.
OK thanks. The officer's rank is PCSO and the station is listed on the ticket. Alright that clears that bit up.
Absolutely right about ID, I will show you mine only if you show me yours. That officer removed his and scanted off. What a jerk!
I am also well aware of an unsaid prejudice when it comes to dealing with authority head-on. I know the culture there is one of scoring tally points rather than actually seeking outright justice. Hell it's about who, the prosecution or defendant, can turn the corner and get away quickest in any given situation. As far as I see they are just as bad as the criminals, but only on a different level. Which in the end, leaves absolutely nil faith in any credible justice in whatever shape or form.
You know what really irks me is the way in which the law behaves both on the street and in principle. The plods on the street for example need to be setting an example conducive of fair-mindedness and professionalism, which in my experience I have never seen any of them do. At this rate might as well be living in a third-rate police state which this place already is.