Camden Police to take Close Passing of Cyclists Seriously

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Police in North London have started using legislation which means drivers caught passing too close to cyclists twice in one year could have their car confiscated and crushed.

Last night Camden police, who have already replicated West Midlands Police's (WMP) award-winning close pass initiative, armed themselves with Section 59 forms, a piece of legislation under the Police Reform Act 2002, which allows police to seize vehicles being used in an antisocial manner.

At a House of Lords event on Tuesday celebrating WMP's successful close pass operation Gareth Walker, of Greater Manchester Police, suggested the legislation as another way to tackle bad driving. Questions were raised over why the Metropolitan Police aren't yet running a similar operation across the force as a whole, which polices 32 boroughs in the capital.


http://road.cc/content/news/211546-...t-close-passing-cyclist-twice-year-could-have

 

[Roadrider48]

It can only be a good thing.

 

[Roadrider48]

Welcome though this would be, I think it is a publicity stunt and nothing more. The Met have demonstrated time after time that they have no real interest in protecting vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

True enough.
But another point is that you don't really see that many police officers around TBH.
I know, budget cuts and all that.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

True enough.
But another point is that you don't really see that many police officers around TBH.
I know, budget cuts and all that.

There is a suggestion in the article that camera footage may be used as evidence.

 

[Roadrider48]

There is a suggestion in the article that camera footage may be used as evidence.

Oh right.
Another step in the right direction then.
To be fair though, based on my own experiences, most drivers where I go have been quite ok; patient and the like.
But it is a problem.

 

[mjr]

To be fair though, based on my own experiences, most drivers where I go have been quite ok; patient and the like.
But it is a problem.

I'd hope that would go without saying. It's the careless few which need to be removed from the roads and this is a step in the right direction - unlike Norfolk Constabulary who have replied to requests to follow suit by spouting garbage about West Midlands Police.

 

[Roadrider48]

I'd hope that would go without saying. It's the careless few which need to be removed from the roads and this is a step in the right direction - unlike Norfolk Constabulary who have replied to requests to follow suit by spouting garbage about West Midlands Police.

I agree.