I was stopped by a police car the other day in Lincoln. I had just gone through a crossroads over a major road.
Prior to the cross roads there was a "no right turn" sign, which I admit that I did not see or at least had no recollection of - it would not have seemed relevant as the sat nav was proposing straight across. I had no idea why I had been stopped until, after reading me my rights, the PC informed me that I had turned right in contravention of the sign.
I admitted that I could not recall it, but said that I did not, in my own mind, consider that I had turned right. The PC said that I had in fact turned right in order to go "straight across" (the junction has been made slightly staggered as they often are by mucking about with kerbs etc.) and that she had "taken it to court" previously and she was therefore right.
I wasn't abusive or argumentative, although I admit to saying "you aren't really going to report me for this are you?"
Anyway, as I have my crime on video, I may as well offer it up for opinions.
Frankly, if they send me a fixed penalty I will take it as it will cost me more in fuel to go to Lincoln and back, but in my defence/mitigation I say here
- when stopped at the junction, there are no visible signs to indicate which directions are permitted - the no-right-turn signs are at that point c. 30 yards behind the driver.
- I think it is arguable that I did not turn right anyway.
- at no time was there any suggestion that I had driven dangerously or even inconsiderately.
- clearly the authority (presumably the highways dept) wants all traffic to turn left. Why not just use a "turn left" sign i.e. white arrow on a blue background to direct all traffic to the left, and ideally position it where it can be seen at the junction?
I am slightly peeved. I have never been to Lincoln before that I can recall and I am disinclined to go again.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujvfwx-gr6U
Street view (2014) shows a faint turn left arrow but that has now worn away, as has most of the give way line.
goo.gl/U4I8Y2
Bang to rights, or an imminent miscarriage of justice?
Last edited by: Manatee on Sat 21 Jan 17 at 19:00
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