No wonder the police never catch anyone...

[Arch]

So, what about a vest that says 'Polite' in white letters on a blue rectangle? I can't get a picture to upload just now, unfortunately.

I've never been challenged, and I reckon it's no worse than those signs on gates that say "Polite Notice - no parking" - presumably meant to look like Police as a quick glance. But it's a different word altogether...

 

[thomas]

So, what about a vest that says 'Polite' in white letters on a blue rectangle? I can't get a picture to upload just now, unfortunately.

I've never been challenged, and I reckon it's no worse than those signs on gates that say "Polite Notice - no parking" - presumably meant to look like Police as a quick glance. But it's a different word altogether...

Found it the other day by searching the forum:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/padbeat/Bike Project/Image3.jpg

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=192092&postcount=29

 

[Vikeonabike]

So, what about a vest that says 'Polite' in white letters on a blue rectangle? I can't get a picture to upload just now, unfortunately.

I've never been challenged, and I reckon it's no worse than those signs on gates that say "Polite Notice - no parking" - presumably meant to look like Police as a quick glance. But it's a different word altogether...

POLITE is fine....If anyone think it reads POLICE, then I can only say they should either have thier eyes tested or the police should charge them with driving without due care and attention!

 

[Arch]

POLITE is fine....If anyone think it reads POLICE, then I can only say they should either have thier eyes tested or the police should charge them with driving without due care and attention!

Ah, that's good to know. I've always felt that should be the case, but I'm not brave or daft enough to argue the toss with a copper if they did stop me to discuss it...

Have been able to upload the photo today...

I have had many cyclists say they like it. Reaction from drivers is hard to judge, but if it stops one loony from cutting me up, that'll do.

I don't normally have the bumbag on, so the resemblance to a heavily belted copper is even less. On the other hand, my winter hack is a chunky frame in blue and yellow!

The other thing is, when wearing it, I feel even more obliged to be polite!

 

[Arch]

PS - I've had people from other countries point out that it works for them to - with the word for police being politzie or similar... In fact, I think I'd be on dodgier ground in that situation... (but wouldn't need it so much, since those countries probably have better drivers!)

 

[BSA]

Thomas there are:
(1) Any person who with intent to deceive impersonates a member of a police force or special constable, or makes any statement or does any act calculated falsely to suggest that he is such a member or constable, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

Surely by wearing a POLITE jacket you are trying to deceive motorists by impersonating a police officer?

How can it be legal according to the above rule?

 

[Vikeonabike]

Surely by wearing a POLITE jacket you are trying to deceive motorists by impersonating a police officer?

How can it be legal according to the above rule?

Now this depends, is your intent for using the wording a deliberate attempt to fool motorists into believing you are a Police Officer? Or as Arch and her (lawyer) would suggest to the court, that as serious cyclist she is merely using a bright eyecatching display to attract the attention of motorists and reminding them that all road users should be polite and respect each others safety when on the road.
There is no way that CPS would prosecute for this as it is virtually impossible to prove and not in the public interest.
However I shall ask a colleague up north to arrest Arch when she is spotted and get a definitive answer!

The law is there to prevent persons using the Police uniform to comit crime, although some prats in the past have arrested strippers and people in fancy dress, which only goes to prove, that coppers like other sections of society are human too (and wholly capable of acts of complete stupidity)

Of course this would be even more evective in Holland, POLTIE

 

[Arch]

However I shall ask a colleague up north to arrest Arch when she is spotted and get a definitive answer!

Wah! I'll never dare wear it again!

I'd like to think coppers would see it in the spirit intended - a slightly tongue in cheek, clever, trick. On the other hand I'm well aware that coppers are only human, and by that score, some won't have a sense of humour - especially if they've just been dealing with some scumbag...

I should point out that I try always to ride in a legal and responsible manner, m'lud...

 

[MacB]

I think it's a good idea, as long as you're never tempted to use it to take anyones particulars I can't see the harm

 

[gary r]

My cousin is a copper & a very good cyclist & runner (under 3 hours for the marathon) He once told me he chased a little scumbag for about 10/15 mins,He could have caught him straight away but just kept a gap of about 20/30 ft until the scumbag was exhausted & stopped running!!!

 

[Arch]

My cousin is a copper & a very good cyclist & runner (under 3 hours for the marathon) He once told me he chased a little scumbag for about 10/15 mins,He could have caught him straight away but just kept a gap of about 20/30 ft until the scumbag was exhausted & stopped running!!!

excellent, makes them easier to arrest too...

 

[classic33]

Been stopped by the police & asked where it was got from, satisfied with of the internet.
Asked a couple of forces as regards their view on it & they can find nothing wrong with it.
It isn't being used to mislead, deliberate or otherwise, into thinking I am a police officer. Therefore no offence is being committed by wearing it.

Legally there is nothing to stop you using a set of lights from the top of a police vehicle if they have been legally obtained. ie, no deception used in obtaining them or stealing them.

 

[thomas]

Legally there is nothing to stop you using a set of lights from the top of a police vehicle if they have been legally obtained. ie, no deception used in obtaining them or stealing them.

I think running blues and twos might be classed as deception.

 

[Vikeonabike]

Legally there is nothing to stop you using a set of lights from the top of a police vehicle if they have been legally obtained. ie, no deception used in obtaining them or stealing them.

Actually there is something!

• The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

• Restrictions on fitting blue warning beacons, special warning lamps and similar devices
  16. No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be fitted with-
  
  • (a) a blue warning beacon or special warning lamp, or
  • ( a device which resembles a blue warning beacon or a special warning lamp, whether the same is in working order or not.

So, to clarify this:
Emergency vehicles no longer have to have a motor (e.g. cycles)


Only emergency vehicles can be fitted with a blue flashing light, or anything that looks like a blue flashing light, whether working or not.

In the regulations, lights, reflectors and reflective material are all classed as lights on motor vehicles (this means that the public cannot have blue reflective graphics for example).

 

[montage]

Is it possible to apply to the police percifically (spelling ) to do patrols on bikes?