Dangerous Driving - Not an offense?

[Matt_Sheffield]

Spoke to the police today about a First bus in Sheffield which overtook me giving about a foot of room (if that) as there was another vehicle on the oncoming carriageway, all on camera.

They said that there wasn't much they could do (apart from having a word) as it's not an offense or illegal to drive like that and that I should accept that some people on the road are just not very courteous, they advised me to get a mirror to see if someone was approaching dangerously. During my appointment they weren't very keen on viewing my video and didn't seem to want to see it, I seemed to have to persuade them to watch it. Can anyone back their position up or refute it? I'm not convinced that they are correct that the driver didn't commit an offense, and I'm VERY VERY keen to take it further.

(Still from the video here http://i.imgur.com/WTjvu.png)

Cheers,

Matt

 

[PK99]

Spoke to the police today about a First bus in Sheffield which overtook me giving about a foot of room (if that) as there was another vehicle on the oncoming carriageway, all on camera.

They said that there wasn't much they could do (apart from having a word) as it's not an offense or illegal to drive like that and that I should accept that some people on the road are just not very courteous, they advised me to get a mirror to see if someone was approaching dangerously. During my appointment they weren't very keen on viewing my video and didn't seem to want to see it, I seemed to have to persuade them to watch it. Can anyone back their position up or refute it? I'm not convinced that they are correct that the driver didn't commit an offense, and I'm VERY VERY keen to take it further.

Cheers,

Matt

http://www.trafficlawyer4u.com/trafficlawyer/dangerous_driving.asp

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/...guidance_on_prosecuting_cases_of_bad_driving/

 

[col]

Im guessing that because these types of pass happen all the time, there wouldnt be the man power or money to follow up on them. Unless you were knocked off, then it would be looked at ?

 

[Mad at urage]

They may "happen all the time" but that is more reason to pursue them vigorously when there is irrefutable evidence. Given the CPS' guidance linked to above and the still from the vid, I would be strongly minded (were I the OP) to return to the police with that guidance, the relevant sections highlighted and ask them to justify their position (if necessary taking it higher).

 

[Matt_Sheffield]

Thanks guys, "http://www.cps.gov.uk" seems to be a good source of reliable information

 

[col]

They may "happen all the time" but that is more reason to pursue them vigorously when there is irrefutable evidence. Given the CPS' guidance linked to above and the still from the vid, I would be strongly minded (were I the OP) to return to the police with that guidance, the relevant sections highlighted and ask them to justify their position (if necessary taking it higher).

Im not defending this, but in the whole scheme of things, unless there is injury it seems to become a pain in the arse for the police, and isnt put at the top of their most important to do list. Just my opinion and in no way the real reason some cyclists dont get the attention they require.

 

[BSRU]

According to the CPS document, I would venture careless/inconsiderate driving would be the charge as it states "driving inappropriately close to another vehicle" as an example.

Unfortunately it appears the police are only interested in serious crime or crime involving celebrities/"the rich" these days and unless you are injured then they will not want to "waste" police time/resources for a "minor" offence.

 

[Matt_Sheffield]

Im not defending this, but in the whole scheme of things, unless there is injury it seems to become a pain in the arse for the police, and isnt put at the top of their most important to do list. Just my opinion and in no way the real reason some cyclists dont get the attention they require.

I agree, this is why I don't report the majority of incidents (I'm not really sure if this is the right thing to do or not). But I chose to report this one because the driver of the vehicle drives for a living (40 hours per week on my local roads perhaps?) and is paid by a corporation for his actions on the road.

 

[col]

I agree, this is why I don't report the majority of incidents (I'm not really sure if this is the right thing to do or not). But I chose to report this one because the driver of the vehicle drives for a living (40 hours per week on my local roads perhaps?) and is paid by a corporation for his actions on the road.

If you feel threatened or in danger, then you need to act accordingly. Maybe its not taken as seriously as it should because enough numbers dont complain?

 

[classic33]

Im not defending this, but in the whole scheme of things, unless there is injury it seems to become a pain in the arse for the police, and isnt put at the top of their most important to do list. Just my opinion and in no way the real reason some cyclists dont get the attention they require.

Well if we wait long enough maybe someone will be injured, maybe killed. But why should we have to wait for something like that to happen. Before we as legal road users, get the relevant authorities to act

 

[Irontwit]

Something similar happened to me a couple of years back. I decided to pursue it with the bus company rather than the police and got a statement recorded on the driver's record so that if repeat offences occured they could take disciplinary action.

 

[col]

Well if we wait long enough maybe someone will be injured, maybe killed. But why should we have to wait for something like that to happen. Before we as legal road users, get the relevant authorities to act

Totally agree with you .

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Complain directly to the bus company and add the link to your video Matt._sheffield.
Most take it seriously and the bus cameras should stll abe it recorded just how close it came.
Tony

 

[Davidc]

Complain directly to the bus company and add the link to your video Matt._sheffield.
Most take it seriously and the bus cameras should stll abe it recorded just how close it came.
Tony

Agree. I've complained to the police in the past and had no response.

I've had responses and take their word that there are notes on the driver's record from Aviva (in SW London), First, Wincanton (a foodstuffs tanker), and a skip hire company.

No response though from a local taxi firm or from an ambulance trust when I complained.

Those are over about the past 15 years. If it happened a lot more often I might buy a video camera and start sending evidence in or posting it online.

 

[sidevalve]

Please do NOT think I am defending either the police OR the driver however video evidence alone without an eye witness can be a real legal minefield. Amateur footage can seem to show many things and even be "modified". If the company fought the case I suspect a good lawyer could probably discredit your evidence and you may even end up paying costs to the other side. As an example, for a while I maintained speed cameras and if one of the boxes I opened had a film in the camera it had to be destroyed, as I may have tampered with it. , it was no longer "safe" as evidence.
Contacting the bus company seems a better idea as they usualy dislike bad press and it may do more good in the long run.