Operation Snap no longer processing close passes

[Binky]

An appalling decision by GoSafe and the police, incredibly it seems the reason they are giving is because he scheme became TOO successful!
Yes, so many close bad passes reported that it deemed the right decison to therefore pull the plug on it.

I shall be contacting them and local MP to express my displeasure and I strongly suggest everyone else does as well.

https://road.cc/content/news/police-stop-taking-action-cyclists-close-pass-videos-314741

 

[Drago]

I wonder if they'll trot out that excuse to stop hassling shoplifters?

The necessity for forensic analysis is bollards. They'll have the riders statement, any witness statements, and the court can view the footage themselves and decide if it was appropriate driving or not.

Sure, they might lose some marginal ones, but the bulk are clear cut from the footage.

Unfortunately, giving guidance to farces we have the NPCC staffed with senior officers with little operational experience, and the Cabbage of Policing who are a limited company and have come out with some utterly bizarre edits over the years (eg, recording 'non'crimes, suggesting the unique aroma of cannabis isn't grounds for a stop and search, etc.)

 

[Binky]

I wonder if they'll trot out that excuse to stop hassling shoplifters?

As I understand it, shoplifters are not stopped/arrested etc anyway! So many videos on Youtube of shops being openly ransacked by thieves who act with impunity and the shop owners are helpless to do anything for fear of violence. By time police called they are long gone and anyway lack of resources means most get away to carry on next time.

 

[Binky]

OK, an update ;

I've been contacted by the police about this after I emailed them and the response is close passes of less than 1.5m will not be actioned unless there are further aggrievating circumstances. So, if a car goes past you with a judged clearance of 0.75m and nothing else then no action is likely outcome.
If however said car goes past at 0.75m distance and there's another vehicle coming towards you in opposite lane and that car is forced to move over to avoid collision then that is deemed an issue. Or if a vehicle overtakes on a blind bend crossing a solid white line etc.

So, keep recording your rides and sending in clips is the advice but be aware only "the worst" likely to be actioned.

 

[Arjimlad]

OK, an update ;

I've been contacted by the police about this after I emailed them and the response is close passes of less than 1.5m will not be actioned unless there are further aggrievating circumstances. So, if a car goes past you with a judged clearance of 0.75m and nothing else then no action is likely outcome.
If however said car goes past at 0.75m distance and there's another vehicle coming towards you in opposite lane and that car is forced to move over to avoid collision then that is deemed an issue. Or if a vehicle overtakes on a blind bend crossing a solid white line etc.

So, keep recording your rides and sending in clips is the advice but be aware only "the worst" likely to be actioned.

I understand if you squawk in alarm, brake or adjust your course, then the offence is more likely to be complete.

 

[Binky]

I understand if you squawk in alarm, brake or adjust your course, then the offence is more likely to be complete.

Well I usually swear loudly and copiously so hopefully that counts.

 

[Arjimlad]

Well I usually swear loudly and copiously so hopefully that counts.

Keep up the good work!

 

[oxoman]

I normally end up going past them on my comutte and having a word with them. The best I had was a guy who tried to squash me into a kerb when I tackled him, luckily I was prepared and he just scraped his alloys and attracted the attention of the local plod in the unmarked car behind him. I was asked.why I'd had words with him so explained it was a very close pass. Have seen him since and he keeps well clear of me and other cyclists. I dont agree with prosecution unless really bad, I would prefer educating the drivers instead.

 

[Arjimlad]

I normally end up going past them on my comutte and having a word with them. The best I had was a guy who tried to squash me into a kerb when I tackled him, luckily I was prepared and he just scraped his alloys and attracted the attention of the local plod in the unmarked car behind him. I was asked.why I'd had words with him so explained it was a very close pass. Have seen him since and he keeps well clear of me and other cyclists. I dont agree with prosecution unless really bad, I would prefer educating the drivers instead.

Avon & Somerset police send out more warning letters than prosecutions and, in many cases, they are very effective at improving driver behaviour, in my experience.