The offence of failing to stop at the scene of an accident is a serious offence. Section 170 (2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 deals with the duties of a driver involved in an accident. "The driver of a mechanically propelled vehicle MUST STOP and if required to do so, by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring, give his name and address and also the name and address of the owner of the vehicle and identification marks of the vehicle". THIS OFFENCE IS COMMITTED WHETHER OR NOT THE DRIVER REPORTS THE ACCIDENT TO THE POLICE LATER. Clearly the other driver failed to stop and I would question why your local police do not wish to pursue this matter. If you had not chased after the offending driver it is likely that he would have got away with it scott free! If the police do pursue this matter I would suggest that paint samples are taken from your car to be matched to the offending vehicle. Be aware though that if the offender chooses to plead not guilty then you will be required to give evidence at court.

 

Sorry to hear it. And the hassle that will probably ensue.

It's all about one step away from Michael Dougles' character in "Falling Down."

 

Just got a letter from the Traffic Unit. As there are no independant witnesses, they will not investigate the incident. He won't admit liabilty either and I can see why.
If I see him again I'll just drive in to the ****. If anyone sees a Merceses E-Class Est driving round, give him a wide birth as he's probably pissed.

 

ahh, that old chestnut. what happens if you punch a Policeman in the face and there are no independent witnesses? I suppose that doesn't get investigated either? Makes you wonder how so many murders get solved really, doesn't it?



where might one be likely to spot this car? and what colour is it?



you must be bloody fuming mate

 

SW London - This colour

 

No independent witnesses? Why the f**k do you need one? His paint is left all down the side of your car! COMPLAIN! THAT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH! They should be able to match the paint to his car. Ask if an officer has actually taken the time to visit this muppet and at least inspect his car for damage. Independent witness my ar*e!!

 

You can't match paint to an individual car - merely to make, type and year made in that colour. It narrows everything down but that is all.

As for an officer visiting - there probably aren't any attached to the unit that deals with this stuff !

Years of cutbacks mean those posts have gone or been civilianised. Years ago (10+) he would have been visited and interviewed under caution by an officer. I have strong views on the loss of what were called 'enquiries officers' but am unable to post them here as I would be discliplined by my job !

You can thank the Government for the cutbacks - apparently it is known as improving efficiency

Protocols within a unit that deals with this stuff that say you need an independant witness are in my mind a complete joke. My wife was run over quite badly a few years ago whilst cycling around a big roundabout by a guy who 'shot' a give way, went into the roundabout without seeing her and broke her leg in the collision. The guy accepted it was his fault ........ and was reported by the officer who attended - only for no further action to be taken by the unit that dealt with it as there were no independant witnesses They said his admission to the officer and the position of everyone was insufficient to proceed

Write and complain by all means but I bet you get nowhere ! The best chance was if the guy was stopped on the night but that obviously didn't happen.... which was a shame.

 

No wonder us "man on the street" types have lost all respect for the Police and the Justice System.

Before you say it John; doesn't necessarily mean particular individual officers, just the system.

How does this work if there's no independent witnesses to a motoring offence or a parking violation? What about if there's no independent witness to an assault? Where is the line drawn?

Not much point in making a complaint either as I found to my cost several years ago (not in Surrey I hasten to add). I was repeatedly "randomly checked" and pulled for a couple of months after - literally at least once a week!!

Since you're "in the job" John, can you explain why Officers are not able to force a rethink of unreasonable guidelines, even if it's via the unions or something. Surely there must be a point where you can all say that these efficiency improvements are contrary to an Officer's duty to uphold the law. I think, if the public saw Police Officers declaring more things publicly, respect would increase dramatically. Probably not possible though, eh?

You're probably not even able to respond to these questions and I'd have to respect that.

 

Don't you have a Road Policing Unit down there in the Met? Here's how it works elsewhere..... You go to the police station, a traffic officer will take a statement from you, the alleged offender will be visited and interviewed under caution, etc.etc. I know paint samples cannot be matched to specific vehicles but a sample specimen with go a long way to proving this case.

It seems that the decision takers and policy makers down there have finally lost all touch with reality and are content to sit in their ivory towers. Wake up and smell the coffee! This is not progress!!!

I sympathise with you brother. Ever considered a transfer???

 

You are right, I can't comment on a public forum the way I would like to - I would potentially get disciplined.

If you come to a Surrey meet and I am there we can have a chat

Frustrating isn't it