A colleague at work was hit by a car recently and the driver gave him the finger and buggered off. Fortunately he wasn't hurt but he was left a bit bruised and holding a knackered bike.
He got the first three letters/numbers of the number plate, the colour and the make and reported it to the police along with a description of damage the car would probably show. The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action. This all sounds a bit off to me who naively though that a hit and run accident should be pursued with a little more vigour.
Fortunately, the victim (one of my converts to pedal power) has not been put off by the experience but, counting me, this makes three of the senior management team that have been hit by cars while commuting. My "cycling is safe and fun" article in the company rag is beginning to look a bit thin!
On Mon, 13 Sep 2004 18:11:57 +0100, "[Not Responding]" <[email hidden]> wrote in message <[email hidden]>:
Quoted message said:
He got the first three letters/numbers of the number plate, the colour and the make and reported it to the police along with a description of damage the car would probably show. The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action. This all sounds a bit off to me who naively though that a hit and run accident should be pursued with a little more vigour.
Presumably having traced said vehicle they have released the details for the insurance claim? Or will there have to be a "name and shame" letter in the local rag?
On Mon, 13 Sep 2004 18:11:57 +0100 someone who may be "[Not Responding]" <[email hidden]> wrote this:-
Quoted message said:
The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action.
That's bollocks.
-- David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government prevents me by using the RIP Act 2000.
The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action.
I find it very odd how (a) the police are so quick to give the brush-off to victims of traffic-related offences and (b) the public seem so happy to lie down and take it. I don't really know what the solution is, other than to generally kick and scream and cause a fuss.
Crikey, if thats the case, just imagine the number of hit & run incidents there are and if all drivers who were tracked down refused access to their vehicle!. It really does show how useless the police forces are.
IMO, you need to try and obtain the details of the driver and try some other route of getting something such as compensation for damage to you/your bike etc.
The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action.
Sounds like plod can't be bothered. I wonder if it's someone who is a friend of plod who owns the car??? Is your friend a member of the CTC? If he is he should contact them without delay to use the legal service which comes as a benefit of CTC membership. If not - try contacting one of the solicitors who advertise in Cycling Weekly and the like to sound out the case.
Chers, helen s
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A colleague at work was hit by a car recently and the driver gave him the finger and buggered off. Fortunately he wasn't hurt but he was left a bit bruised and holding a knackered bike.
He got the first three letters/numbers of the number plate, the colour and the make and reported it to the police along with a description of damage the car would probably show. The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action.
Yes they can. take it further, sounds like the HAVE not tracked the owner. Ask to see the the officer dealing paperwork. Keep pestering !!! Vehicles can be traced through the DVLC.
Also the motorist has commited the offence of 'Not Stopping after an Accident and Failing to Report an Accident (presuming he has not)........
Alway carry a pencil and paper in a handy pocket and practice doing quick draws (OK to stop the puns - and quick writes) to get the same out of you pocket and writing on it !!
Alway carry a pencil and paper in a handy pocket and practice doing quick draws (OK to stop the puns - and quick writes) to get the same out of you pocket and writing on it !!
I think a camera phone is the modern equivalent - I've always got mine with me...
Its now an ARRESTABLE offence for a motorist to fail to stop after an INJURY rta. Injury being the operative word, however any injury will do
Which means the police have full powers to kick the buggers door in at 3am and drag them screaming out of bed. Also police can seize the car if it is required as evidence.
Go back to the police and make them take notice. If they fail to do so then ask to speak to the Duty Inspector to lodge a formal complaint.
Good luck
Mick. A Cycling Bobby "[Not Responding]" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
A colleague at work was hit by a car recently and the driver gave him the finger and buggered off. Fortunately he wasn't hurt but he was left a bit bruised and holding a knackered bike.
He got the first three letters/numbers of the number plate, the colour and the make and reported it to the police along with a description of damage the car would probably show. The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action. This all sounds a bit off to me who naively though that a hit and run accident should be pursued with a little more vigour.
Fortunately, the victim (one of my converts to pedal power) has not been put off by the experience but, counting me, this makes three of the senior management team that have been hit by cars while commuting. My "cycling is safe and fun" article in the company rag is beginning to look a bit thin!
On Mon, 13 Sep 2004 18:11:57 +0100, "[Not Responding]" <[email hidden]> wrote (more or less):
Quoted message said:
A colleague at work was hit by a car recently and the driver gave him the finger and buggered off. Fortunately he wasn't hurt but he was left a bit bruised and holding a knackered bike.
He got the first three letters/numbers of the number plate, the colour and the make and reported it to the police along with a description of damage the car would probably show. The police tracked down the car but said that the owner wouldn't let them have access to the vehicle and that they could take no further action.
Surely plod don't need the owner's permission to investigate a hit'n'run accident?
Or are they saying they'd need access to 300 cars to identify the specific one because there are too many with the same make/model/colour/number plate combo?
Quoted message said:
This all sounds a bit off to me who naively though that a hit and run accident should be pursued with a little more vigour.
Fortunately, the victim (one of my converts to pedal power) has not been put off by the experience but, counting me, this makes three of the senior management team that have been hit by cars while commuting. My "cycling is safe and fun" article in the company rag is beginning to look a bit thin!
On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:53:45 GMT someone who may be Gawnsoft <[email hidden]> wrote this:-
Quoted message said:
Surely plod don't need the owner's permission to investigate a hit'n'run accident?
It is an excuse the police use when they don't want to look into something.
-- David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.
