Reported close overtake / cutting up - result

[domd1979]

Cycling home from work on Wednesday, a car decides to overtake me at very close range, and cut very close in front of me. Checked my camera footage (ATC2K mounted on handlebars) when I got in which showed it all nicely. Put the file on CD along with a slow motion clip of what happened.

Thursday morning I went into the police station to report it. At this point I wondered if I was on a hiding to nothing because the reception desk woman didn't appear hugely interested. Explained what happened and that they could have a look at the CD. Told they hadn't got a computer that would let them play it (wot no media player in the whole cop shop?). Gave them contact details, and left thinking not a lot would happen. Later on in the morning I got a phone call from the station saying they wanted to make an appointment for an officer to come and see me.

So... met police officer this morning and showed her the footage. She agreed it was way too close etc. The driver has been traced and is going to be paid a visit over the weekend to be warned about their driving, which seems a positive result to me.

The police woman was quite interested that I had a camera on my bike, and asked if it was allowed (!) because it wasn't something they'd heard of before!! She thought that the driver might ask the question, so I just said yep it is allowed.

 

[mr_cellophane]

Odd question. Why wouldn't it be allowed ?

 

[domd1979]

I think some people think the Data Protection Act - but it doesn't apply. Magnatom (I think?) posted a reply from the Information Commissioner about it.

Odd question. Why wouldn't it be allowed ?

 

[marinyork]

Perhaps had dealings with people filming from vehicles incase they were stolen/vandalised where they had to put signs up saying they were being filmed?

 

[stephenb]

Odd question. Why wouldn't it be allowed ?

one characteristic of a totalitarian state (of mind?) - nothing is permitted unless it's allowed.

 

[Maz]

met police officer this morning...

The MET came all the way up to Staffs. to pay you a visit? They really were taking it seriously.

Good result by the sounds of it. Well done.

 

[magnatom]

Yes I got a reply from the IC confirming that filming (and posting on youtube for that matter) was exempt from the data protectiion act under the recreation exemption. If anyone wants more details PM me and I can happily supply them.

 

[domd1979]

The MET came all the way up to Staffs. to pay you a visit? They really were taking it seriously.

Yep, Scotland Yard are onto it, and the police helicopters are circling the unsuspecting Fiat Stilo drivers' house as we speak...

Good result by the sounds of it. Well done.

Ta. Mustard mit I was quite pleased - first time I've ever reported any incident to the police.

 

[fossyant]

Unless the person is a complete arse, then they will probably alter their driving having been paid a visit ! - Most folk poo their pants if a copper stops them - I would !

 

[domd1979]

Just had a phone call to say an officer called round to see the driver, who was quite shocked to have the police turn up on his door step. He apparently didn't think that he'd done anything wrong, but says he won't do it again (which to me is an admission he knows he was wrong!).

 

[Keith Oates]

So a satifactory result, well done you and the police!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[stoatsngroats]

nice result.....

....good one!

May think about the camera idea myself...!

 

[mr_cellophane]

So you can post it on YT now.

 

[Riding in Circles]

Well done for seeing it through.

 

[punkypossum]

Hmm...so something does actually happen with those reports? I just rang the police for the first time in my life after some muppet made a very good attempt of nearly running me over twice in the space of less than a minute, but admittedly I did it mainly because it made ME feel better rather than actually expecting them to do very much about it!