Police motorbikes allowed to use ASLs?
I've just had a conversation with a motorbike cop who I noticed was stopping in ASLs in Central London. I told him that he wasn't setting a good example to other motorcyclists who obviously feel that they can use ASLs whenever they like.
The cop told me that the police had an exemtion from traffic laws which allowed them to use ASLs legally. I questioned this as he didn;t appear to be on an emergency. His response was that it was so he could catch cyclists going through red lights. Double whammy!!
After a few google searches I can find nothing on police exemptions from traffic laws other than speeding when on an emergency. The cop who claimed this power couldn;t tell me where the power came from other than some act of parliament which he couldn;t name.
So does anyone know? Is this right?
The cop told me that the police had an exemtion from traffic laws which allowed them to use ASLs legally. I questioned this as he didn;t appear to be on an emergency. His response was that it was so he could catch cyclists going through red lights. Double whammy!!
After a few google searches I can find nothing on police exemptions from traffic laws other than speeding when on an emergency. The cop who claimed this power couldn;t tell me where the power came from other than some act of parliament which he couldn;t name.
So does anyone know? Is this right?
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"I can confirm that your concerns were passed to the member of staff's direct manager and also the Senior Manager. The issues you raised were brought to his attention, in particular respect of the driving standards. I was however informed that emergency vehicles are permitted to use bus lanes, however if you have any further concerns regarding this persons driving standards then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will forward these to the Manager for actioning."
It didn't occur that he was taking the piss then?
He wasn't I assure you.
......heading for the box, but not too soon I hope!
Hmmm... I have a tendency to occasionally bash it with a big stick...and then kick it around until I do get stung. :evil:
Just general riding round they should keep out like everyone else.
You tell them :-)
You're right though, police should really set an example, and this can only be further propagating the belief that motorcyclists can use ASLs.
(It is fun though to track stand next to a guy on a super bike and then try to beat them to the other side of the junction when the light changes!)
I'm not convinced that ASL are written into any traffic legislation, or the highway code (although to be honest I haven't preused it at length for some time)
In effect this would mean that every tom censored and large articulated lorry could in effect use them... They are I guess just another aspect of our utterley useless and badly laid out transport plan.
I think they are there as a guide, no more! so in effect the copper, although yes setting a bad example, I don't think was actually breaking a traffic legislation.
Normal police expemption comes from S136 RTA, I can't remember the schedule but its part an parcel of there ability to stop all and sundry to 'check driving docs....... The bounders!
Spec Pitch
Spec Tarmac
Thorn Raven Tourer (with Roholf Hub gears)
ASLs are mentioned at length in the Highway Code. Several times. I havent checked the RTAct lately for it tbh, but I think it is mentioned.
178
Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 36(1) & 43(2)]
When was this introduced?
There is no specific exemption for a solid white line other than those for the general motoring public and none for a No Entry.