I have it on authority from an ex-copper that any police vehicle, even liveried ones like police vans can be used for speeding offences, and any police officer, not just Traffic can book you for a traffic offence. Even if the vehicle doesn't have the speeding kit that traffic ones have, they can still prove your guilt by calibrating their speedo to verify their statement.

Maybe it would be useful for a current police officer, traffic or otherwise, to put us right, so that we don't run the risk of road rage or carjacking as a result of mistaking them for a police officer?

Also, without the flashies on, a police officer is NOT allowed to break the speed limit either.

Urban myth , and completely wrong.

Police have three exemptions to road traffic laws [1] which come into play at any time when to obey the laws would affect their ability to perform their duties. There is no requirement to use lights and siren or to even be in duty at the time

I , quite legally , chased after a stolen car whose occupants had just robbed a McD's while off duty on my bike doing 75 in a 30 zone.

I stopped because the bloody thing wouldn't go any faster to keep up [2] and I had got their registration plate so I went to the nearest station to give them the details.

[1] can ignore speed limits and keep left bollards , and stop signs can be treated as give way signs.

[2] Gilera runner 125

If he indeed did flash a badge - can't he be prosecuted for dangerous driving and not being in complete control of his vehicle and driving without due care and attention ? - as no doubt he was looking at you at the same time when he flashed his badge. Surely that's the same as having a mobile or a drink in your hand?

Did you who had the accident take photos at the scene? Did you use your hazard warning lights when you saw the traffic slowing?

Personally, I would have maintained a steady speed in the outside-lane, overtook the vehicles I needed too, moved back in and left it at that. If I see people acting like a wazzock, I generally just give them a crazy insane smile and wave at them - confuses the hell out of them. :insane:

I understand he undertook at high speed, but the best recipe is ignorance of such stupidity I find rather than letting it get to you.

Regards,

Did you who had the accident take photos at the scene? Did you use your hazard warning lights when you saw the traffic slowing?

Personally' date=' I would have maintained a steady speed in the outside-lane, overtook the vehicles I needed too, moved back in and left it at that.[/quote']

I didnt take pictures it was too dark, Didnt use my hazards, didnt have time ( it was that concertina traffic you get on motorways as opposed to traffic you can see ahead) and he was too close to stop anyway as he proved !! I did try to get out of his way, which was when he undertook ( if thats a word!! ) me. When he pulled in i went past him at 80mph and he pulled immediately behind me again so he did NOT want me in front of him i dont think.

Stuart

Dont worry about it..It was dark and as such how are you supposed to see a warrant card being flashed at you?? For all you knew it could have been a "Mickey Mouse" club card...Also any police vehicle involved in a "Polac" has to be investigated on scene by another area traffic vehicle.

Do not admit to speeding as you were only doing 70 mph..Was'nt you ???

Facts are, he went up the rear of you and that is driving without care and attention. Would also be intersting to see what is done about him driving with only one hand on the wheel whilst flashing a badge at you. Numerous cases have been brought to court by police forces for such serious offences as "Eating an apple" whilst at ATS. There is even a mention of these in todays Daily Mail.

As stated in an earlier post, start rubbing your neck and go to the doctors for the start of a whiplash claim.