£100 fine strange cops

[Orca2]

As the title suggests I got a £100 on the spot fine today for not having seatbelt on, the strange thing is that the plod and plodette were at pains to tell me that they had been specifically tasked with targetting motorists and were being asked to work overtime shifts in an unmarked car, also that they had been told to hang about in shopping centre car parks as lots of people don't put their belt on until they are leaving the car park
Both plods were pretty disgusted at having to do this duty, the bloke went as far as to say that it was now government policy to use the police to squeeze every last pound out of motorists and that I should contact my mp to complain that they were being used on this money raising excercise rather than tackling criminals. He said as I left, " have a close look at the car we are driving" clearly to highlight the underhand way they have been forced to go about this.
A very odd traffic stop indeed. .
Anyone else encountered an upsurge in this ?

[Ninja59]

Sarcasm Mode On...

Hmm..not really surprising there will be an upsurge until April (financial year) I think.

Sarcasm Mode Off...

Around Cheshire there is definitely a more visible and for the other way invisible police presence around here.

[Orca2]

These two were very odd, almost as hacked off as I was and very clear that this was not what they wanted to do. The bloke actually said " this is what we are specifically being tasked with and paid overtime to do" not happy plods!

[wrinkles]

I think I would have gone to court with it as you were not actuly on the road at the time and the car park is classed as private ground.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by Orca2

As the title suggests I got a £100 on the spot fine today for not having seatbelt on, the strange thing is that the plod and plodette were at pains to tell me that they had been specifically tasked with targetting motorists and were being asked to work overtime shifts in an unmarked car, also that they had been told to hang about in shopping centre car parks as lots of people don't put their belt on until they are leaving the car park
Both plods were pretty disgusted at having to do this duty, the bloke went as far as to say that it was now government policy to use the police to squeeze every last pound out of motorists and that I should contact my mp to complain that they were being used on this money raising excercise rather than tackling criminals. He said as I left, " have a close look at the car we are driving" clearly to highlight the underhand way they have been forced to go about this.
A very odd traffic stop indeed. .
Anyone else encountered an upsurge in this ?

It has been a legal requirement to wear a seat belt now for 31 years!

Why did you not have your seat belt on ?

Honestly, I am not being holier than thou but cannot get my head round :-

1. Why people think it's cool not to wear one.

2. Why they are miffed if they get a ticket?

[migrator]

Uniformed or not, marked car or not ALWAYS ask politely to see the officer's warrant card. They must be carrying it and they must show it to you to read - NOT for you to handle.

[bongodave]

I think you should be forced to wear one whilst operating a shopping trolly.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by wrinkles

I think I would have gone to court with it as you were not actuly on the road at the time and the car park is classed as private ground.

So pleased that you are not my Solicitor.

The above comment is simply WRONG!

Just check on the definition of a road under the Road Traffic Act 1988

[Orca2]

I am not the least bit miffed at being nicked,I wasn't wearing my belt I got nicked, I will pay the fine.
The point of the post was In 32 years of driving I have never encountered plods who were so ****ed off at being blatantly used as an outpost of the treasury that they actually said it and encouraged me to complain.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by bongodave

I think you should be forced to wear one whilst operating a shopping trolly.

Some should not be allowed to operate a shopping trolley