Some cops are arseholes

[Qkkid]

To whom it may concern,

I was on my way home from work heading up the Northwestern motorway on my motorbike from Western Springs on Monday the 7th of August. The weather was shocking it was raining really hard and to be honest harder than normal, there were 3 lanes and I was in middle lane. The traffic was crawling at about 20-25 kms an hour, I could hardly see out of my helmet visor as it had fogged up pretty bad. So I made a decision which I thought was the right and the safe one to make as it was dangerous for me to not to be able to see out of my visor so I moved over to the bus lane to let my visor defog and clear I was going pretty slow 30-35kms an hour, you need to be moving to be able to clear your visor. I saw the highway patrol car he was in the first lane next to the bus lane I went by him pretty slow thinking I would be alright and the next thing he pulls into bus lane behind me with his lights on, I pull over at this stage, I had only been in the bus lane for about 80 metres. “I cant believe it” his first words to me were are you carrying passengers , I said no! “in other words are you a bus” before I could say anything he took my licence and told me to wait in the pouring rain. He did not even want to hear what I had to say. I then hopped off my motorbike knocked on his window and asked if I could sit in his car out of the rain while he checked my license. Next thing he said to me was what my occupation was, I said Builder/joiner, His reply was “quote ”You should be in a vehicle not on a motorbike like most builders who carry tools. Now at this stage im starting to get a bit upset, because I commute from Albany everyday to Mt Roskill because of traffic and petrol prices I choose to ride my bike its cheaper and I have a vehicle at my work that I use and leave there. He was not interested in my reason of safety and trying to clear my visor he said this is going to cost you $150 dollars, He did not write me out a ticket, he said it will be in the mail, I bit my tongue I could not see any point in arguing with him and antagonising him any further. I then hopped back on my motorbike and left. I am shocked and gutted and cannot believe this has happened to me as I “donot” travel up bus lanes to get ahead of traffic, and yes I was going to hop back in the line of traffic when I had it sorted. It was dangerous for me to be in the lines of traffic without been able to see so I thought I was doing the right/responsible thing. To this officer I was not. He could not use common sense at the end of the day. He would rather I have a accident!!! Where is simple common sense. If I speed I accept the ticket and the consequences of my behaviour but not in this case. This is just purely Money collecting on the officers part. This officer should care about my safety/life staying alive and not about his bad day he is having. I am a law abiding motorcycle rider as I need my license to get to work everyday as I have 95km distance to travel to work and back home from work. I appreciate your time in reading this letter and hope that this ticket will be reversed in my favour in your consideration as it was not my intention to be a bus or to jump the queue on the motorway , I was just trying to be safe and stay alive on a motorbike. Motorways are dangerous enough even worse if you cannot see and particulary on a motorbike cars just don’t see you.
Yours sincerely

[Qkkid]

:yes: I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter pretty pissed off:scooter: This is the letter i am sending into them

[sAsLEX]

Yeah they really dont like showing discretion these days, the fact he didnt not have the common courtesy to polietly listen to you at all shows...... well its no wonder that their approval and image from the public is soo low.

Good luck with the fight!

[Zed]

Send the letter Steve, you won't get off if you don't politely ask! :bye:

[Qkkid]

Yeah they really dont like showing discretion these days, the fact he didnt not have the common courtesy to polietly listen to you at all shows...... well its no wonder that their approval and image from the public is soo low.

Good luck with the fight!

Cheers saslex
:blip: If i wanted to take off he would not have caught me in that traffic so what was his point :whocares: He truly is a wanker :gob: He was about 53 id say and never been on a bike in his life and has no idea so stay out of the bus lanes never use them in any circumstances stop in the middle of the motorway and get run over or worse killed what a fucker that cop is

[sAsLEX]

Cheers saslex
:blip: If i wanted to take off he would not have caught me in that traffic

dont use the bus lane

Yeah just split, I do it all weathers, and often pass stuck caged police though I try to go by them semi legally even passed a cop bike once, indicator on and on the right etc, but going that distance and not splitting ..you have a stronger will than I I would go crazy doing that.


EDIT:

Aint you allowed to stop in them in an emergency??? Isnt having zero vis something bad, outline the fact you were clearing a hazard whilst in the lane, maybe suggest you were pulling in to the lane with the intention of stopping in the letter, a little white lie never hurt anyone honest!

[Qkkid]

Yeah just split, I do it all weathers, and often pass stuck caged police though I try to go by them semi legally even passed a cop bike once, indicator on and on the right etc, but going that distance and not splitting ..you have a stronger will than I I would go crazy doing that.


EDIT:

Aint you allowed to stop in them in an emergency??? Isnt having zero vis something bad, outline the fact you were clearing a hazard whilst in the lane, maybe suggest you were pulling in to the lane with the intention of stopping in the letter, a little white lie never hurt anyone honest!

To be honest its only $150 bucks and im not gonna lie about it. Thats the facts thats what happened i want to see what they have to say for themselves.

[BeakerRAT]

I agree with you on this one, pretty rough deal. To just issue a ticket? (in the mail) without any discussion whatsoever is just crap.

I had a similar experience once (along time ago), where the officer just asked "where's the fire?", my reply "pardon, excuse me?, there's no fire" he repeated his question three times, my reply was the same each time. It was like ground hog day, and all it served to do was amp the situation up - this is just bullshit and in my view doesn't command any respect at all. Luckily in that instance another officer (older/wiser) took over and used discretion and got my instant respect and co-operation - by acting like a adult and treating me as one.

Anyway, back to what happened to you - sorry to hear you were treated so badly, I think you are right in that he was either having a shit day and took it out on you, or heaven forbid applied the you're a 'stereotype bastard biker' rubbish.

RANT - I know the cops out there often get a raw deal from the public when they are on the job, but it's stuff like this that just fuels the angst between the public / cops both ways. Wouldn't be nice if everyone just played fair, you know - you get caught, accept you know what you were doing and you pay the consequences; and on the other side of the fence policing is as much about customer service as it is upholding the law, a bit less of the shoot first mentality and more fairness will actually make the job easier. - END RANT

[Qkkid]

I agree with you on this one, pretty rough deal. To just issue a ticket? (in the mail) without any discussion whatsoever is just crap.
Anyway, back to what happened to you - sorry to hear you were treated so badly, I think you are right in that he was either having a shit day and took it out on you, or heaven forbid applied the you're a 'stereotype bastard biker' rubbish.


He probably saw my number plate QKKID and thought yes :blip: got that barstard for having that numberplate

[mattp]

Like most jobs you will find even the pig force has good and bad ones.

By the sounds of things this guy was/is a twat and if you are like me and think what goes around comes around. You could think that next weekend when that pig gets home after work his partner will be in bed with a guy who rides a bike and that will crush him for life :yes:

You may have a fine that you will not remember in a couple of years but that pig will remember for many years seeing his girl having a ride on a real man and not a pigglet :first:

[bobsmith]

Probably the same kind of idiotic fucking pig who stopped me and ticketed me for - not signalling for full three seconds before changing lanes (yeah like 2.5 seconds?) and following too closely (sure maybe I was about 1.8sec behind the car?) - 150 each and 300 bucks total. I argued but it came down to the word of the fucking pig against mine and my three friends in the car and that was that...

or how about another pig who stopped me one day came up to the window the asked "what's the hurry?", to which I replied: "is that a question?" needless to say he happened to stop me one of those occations that I was actually doing the speed limit. - took my licence check reg etc - (took 20 minutes to do that) then gave it back to me and told me to "slow down" - to which I replied "slow down to what? I was doing the speed limit as you might have noticed if you had a radar" and drove off.

I understand some people saying that there might be decent pigs out there, but they're bloody scarce in NZ and why should you treat them nice just because of the few good ones? Hell the pigs seem to have no problem with treating the general motoring public with hostility and there are heck a lot more decent people among the general motoring public than the pigs.

[750Y]

not trying to be a wanker, but it doesn't sound like that big a deal to me(although i'm sorry you have to pay the $150 for what sounds like a fairly minor indiscretion). every dog has it's day, try not to hold it against the whole police force though, in the end, they do 100 times more good than bad, which should earn them some slack surely, pity, but you just happened to stumble into the 100th time. good luck mate, you now know what NOT to do.

[bugjuice]

have you been sent the ticket yet?
if you have, then just contest it. might cost you close to what your 'ticket' would be, but if you did it on moral grounds....

[Deano]

not trying to be a wanker, .

Ditto - but do you have an anti fog visor fitted ? Could be argued that fogging is a foreseen hazard that could be easily remedied ?

I agree he should at least give you an opportunity to explain...

Send the letter, but maybe suggest you have looked into it and were ignorant about anti fog visors (which you have now purchased and fitted) I.e - learnt from the experience and have taken appropriate action.

[Swoop]

Did you have the intention of stopping in that "emergency stopping lane" if the problem did not sort itself out?
Another fact that can be included in your letter...
The fact that the plod didn't ascertain your reasons for being there is poor practice on his part.
Certainly write in and contest it with heavy emphasis on the weather conditions and safety concerns you had.

[MSTRS]

Never heard of 'sending one in the mail' in that sort of circumstance. Do nothing until/unless it arrives, then send your letter...

[Squeak the Rat]

Yep I agree see what happens. And if you do need to send it in, stress that it was an emergency that you separate yourself from the traffic.

From the ltsa website - Emergency Lanes:

You must use common sense to judge what a genuine emergency is, remembering that you can be prosecuted for stopping or parking on a motorway, if the Police spot you using an emergency stopping lane and believe your circumstances do not warrant doing so. For example, you could be fined for pulling over into an emergency stopping lane to use your cellphone.

The cop didn't even ask your circumstances. A bit rude. Maybe he was grumpy that the traffic was so slow that he couldn't easily get his quota. :rofl:

[roogazza]

News this morning ! 26% of people polled are less than impressed with the performance of the police. I wonder why ?

Lower the standards, pay peanuts and thats the sort of recruit you'll get. Discretion sure ain't part of it nowdays. Hang on , thats a bit tough ! there are less policemen of the type we used to have . G.

[GR81]

i had a cop say to me that the fine will be in the mail once... it never turned up.
has yours?

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

If he didn't write out a ticket there and then, 99.9% chance you won't be receiving one. He was just being pig ignorant and an arsehole.
If you ever site the ticket. Write in - you would get let off - and if you didn't - write to the Ombudsman - causes them shitloads of paperwork and they HAVE to reply within certain timeframes.
Cheers

[ManDownUnder]

EDIT:

Aint you allowed to stop in them in an emergency??? Isnt having zero vis something bad, outline the fact you were clearing a hazard whilst in the lane, maybe suggest you were pulling in to the lane with the intention of stopping in the letter, a little white lie never hurt anyone honest!


I'd put that in my letter to challenge the ticket, politely of course.

To be honest I think what you did was entierly ok, but a better course of action might have been to open the visor and get a wet face (unless you wear glasses?)

[Gremlin]

Use paragraphs ;)

As others have said, wait for the ticket, he could have just been playing with you... you never know.

My biggest issue with the cops is that they just apply the law. They don't use common sense, and the attitudes I have got is that you're in the wrong, we're gonna do you, because you broke the law. They seem to also think we genuinely want to commit suicide.

Yes, apparently there are nice cops, and I have met a few. The only times I have been pulled for something, I've had people bent on getting me, and ignored why I had done something etc.

[The_Dover]

I think their hats look a bit gay too.

[Buster]

Challenge the ticket because it was an emergency and you were pulling over to stop. No question the cop was a bit rough but shit happens, its just part of being a road user. QKKID your sig says it all...

[jim.cox]

Use paragraphs ;)
Yes, apparently there are nice cops.

Every single copper I've ever met - and that's more than a few - has been a really decent bloke off-duty

On-duty it can be a different story though :(

=mjc=
.

[Lou Girardin]

It's an EMERGENCY shoulder which takes priority over being a bus lane.
Not being able to see is an emergency. Write and tell them that you pulled into the lane to clear your visor. The heavy rain made it impossible to open the visor at traffic speed. You didn't have anything to wipe the visor with, so you chose to travel slowly until the airflow cleared it.
Keep it brief and to the point. But do mention that the cop did not ask for an explanation.

[ManDownUnder]

Every single copper I've ever met - and that's more than a few - has been a really decent bloke off-duty

On-duty it can be a different story though :(

=mjc=
.

I'm yet to meet one who is an arsehole on duty to be honest... seriously. Maybe it's just me..? Naaaa - that couldn't be it ...

[Steam]

Yeah, I've never had any trouble with the bobbies either, they've all been quite nice but rushed fellows. I never have done much wrong tho, and I guess it helps I'm a white middleclass male with a tidy haircut.

[Swoop]

News this morning ! 26% of people polled are less than impressed with the performance of the police.

ONLY 26%??????
Seems a bit low to me. Where did they do this poll, at a retirement home???

[Squeak the Rat]

ONLY 26%??????
Seems a bit low to me. Where did they do this poll, at a retirement home???

At the police station :killingme

[oldrider]

Biblical quotes:

"As you sow, so shall you reap!"

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you!"

Etc etc etc!

We get the government that we deserve because "we" vote them into office.

Do we get the service, attitude and behaviour, from our police because it is what "we" deserve?

When you read what is expressed on these forums at times especially directed at the ones who are members of this forum (even our friends) and supposedly sympathetic to our own cause, it is hardly likely that they would be inclined to be sympathetic when the pen and paper is in their hands and you are their chance to get "even".

How would you behave with the boot on the other foot?

Maybe we should, "sow as we intend to reap" and we might get ourselves a better deal! Worth thinking about?

Sometimes the facts and experience make us oldies think like your nanna's! but you be the judge! Cheers (nana for today) John.

[sAsLEX]

How would you behave with the boot on the other foot?


Professionally as that is what I am employed to do, not to let emotions get in the way of doing my job.

Sometimes you have to do things you dont totally agree with, like ask someone for a reason they where in the emergency lane instead of jumping to conclusions as to assume is to make an ass out of u and me!

[Ixion]

ONLY 26%??????
Seems a bit low to me. Where did they do this poll, at a retirement home???

I strongly disagree with the strategy of the police High Command.

But, in the various interactions I have had with front line cops , I have only once encountered one who was not polite and professional. And have ben let off various infractions (not all minor)

The one exception was MANY years ago, when a senior cop being drivien somewhere by a junior cop took exception to the piloting of my 3TA. And had junior plod pull me over then abused me in a most unprofessional manner from the car window, while junior looked on, very embarrased. He (of the silver braided cap) threatened a ticket in the mail, but it never came. This was in the days of separate MoT, he was police, not MoT (grey car, not black and white).

I never had any reason to complain about the MoT snakes either (or the Auckland City council ones) , always courteous and professional. Well, I did complain of course, bastiges giving me a ticket, but I knew I deserved it. The small town traffic cops employed by local councils could be another matter some of then were right little Hitlers.

[Drum]

One word.........Quota

[marty]

At the police station :killingme

it'd be more like 95% if you polled it there.

[sAsLEX]

I strongly disagree with the strategy of the police High Command.
.

lol i had a smiilar experience. An Area Commander or something pulled me for my car being to loud after following me for 20 mins, unmarked at night so I didnt notice, and the asked if I knew what I had done wrong....ummm well no.

He then asked about my exhaust, I said what about it, he said its a bit loud aint it do you know what the rules are about that? I think he nearly shat himself with anger when I qouted the relevant at the time legeslation, he then got all pissy as most do when confronted by someone smarter than they should be and forced me to turn my car on and rev it which I did conservitavely, he then wrenches the car door open and jams his foot ontop of mine to bounce it off the limiter, thus proving his point that he was a few clowns short of a circus. He then sulked off.

Then there was the time the cop tried to do me for dangerous driving for get this 50 in a 50! He then said I had to drive straight home and he would call my parents, at 3 in the morning, fuck did he get a fright when Mum answered the phone yelling abuse at him, then again when she went in to the cop shop on the monday and yelled at his boss.
Ended up "using a motor vehicle to the annoyance of any person", a ticket cops can just give out willy nilly it seems whenever they annoyed.

[Pixie]

on one hand you have common sense,
on the other you have another notch on the piggies quota

[bobsmith]

he then wrenches the car door open and jams his foot ontop of mine to bounce it off the limiter,

Damn I've seen all sorts of piggy clowns but that's just over the top. You should have laid formal complaints for assult! Fucking pigs.

[crazybigal]

get paid to be a grumpy cunt all day! were do i sign up!!!:Punk:


Every single copper I've ever met - and that's more than a few - has been a really decent bloke off-duty

On-duty it can be a different story though :(

=mjc=
.

[jim.cox]

get paid to be a grumpy cunt all day! were do i sign up!!!:Punk:

At the local nick I guess

Mind you, its not a job I'd be wanting

[Qkchk]

Never heard of 'sending one in the mail' in that sort of circumstance. Do nothing until/unless it arrives, then send your letter...

Oh yeah, he got the ticket in the mail alright! Looking at his ticket this is what they booked him for:

'Drove in lane unavailable' $150 Hmmmm seems like the officer had a hard time thinking up that "reason".

[Lou Girardin]

Oh yeah, he got the ticket in the mail alright! Looking at his ticket this is what they booked him for:

'Drove in lane unavailable' $150 Hmmmm seems like the officer had a hard time thinking up that "reason".

Time to write in. PM me if you need ideas.

[Macktheknife]

Bummer dude, I hope you get off it and if not then chalk it up for experience and remember his number for future reference.

[roogazza]

Mind you, its not a job I'd be wanting

Thats exactly right ! ( I must be feeling pro today) Its one hell of a job and can be very satisfying. The idea is to remain non- judgemental (well I tried to ) and then react to any situation as it presented itself. If someone is ugly you have to give ugly back. Be polite , and you should get the same back.

Of course there are pricks, but there is in any job. I hope the bosses can redeem some of the respect most people have for the uniform ? I believe it has slipped. Gaz.

[jim.cox]

I hope the bosses can redeem some of the respect most people have for the uniform ? I believe it has slipped. Gaz.

Seems so :(

[NinjaBoy]

Oh yeah, he got the ticket in the mail alright! Looking at his ticket this is what they booked him for:

'Drove in lane unavailable' $150 Hmmmm seems like the officer had a hard time thinking up that "reason".

make sure you keep to the point without emotion. It could have been driving in an emergency lane $750

[Jantar]

Defend it. You were there legally on two counts.

First: It was a matter of safety that you had to getout of the main line of traffic.

Second: Motorcycles are legally allowed to use bus lanes unless there is signage specifically prohibiting them. Unless the cop can show the court that there is a sign saying "motorcycles prohibited", or that there is a picture of a motorcycle within a red circle and with a red diagonal line through it, then you were there legally. You don't even need a lawyer for either of these defences, you can do it yourself.

[mdooher]

Secondly you are totally wrong. Motorcycles are not allowed to use buslanes on motorways. They are allowed to use them around town and in the suburbs as the local council's who are the authority dont have a problem with it. Transit who are the authority on the motorways decided that bikes should not be allowed in bus lanes. No bikes are allowed on bus lanes on motorways or motorway onramps.



Most bus lanes do have signs up but you dont need one up as they are normally green and i doubt you would get off on that defence.

I think this bus lane does have a sign in anycae.

I think it is time for someone to defend this bus lane crap.

It is not up to transit to make up shit, they must follow the law just like everyone else. If they don't want motorbikes on their bus lanes they are perfectly entitled to do that….but they MUST have a SIGN SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDING motorbikes. That section was put in the road transport rules specifically to stop different local bodies having different rules.

So my suggestion is if you get caught, defend yourself. It is a reasonable defence and even if you get found guilty at the most you might need to pay court costs.

An important point is that if you defend yourself you can usually get away with presenting all kinds of evidence just be polite and act like you are a little overwhelmed by the idea if being in court.

[mdooher]

This is the only way transit could get you on a bus lane:

The following part of Land transprot rule 2005 section 2.12 (motorways)

(3)A driver must not drive in an emergency stopping lane unless—...
(c)a sign at the entrance to the lane indicates vehicles of a specified class or classes may use the lane during the time specified on the sign and the driver is operating a vehicle of that specified class or one of those specified classes.

So here is the question...are they emergency stopping lanes or bus lanes?

Is it reasonable that any normal person can tell the difference?

[Ixion]

Transit claim (vehemently) that they are emergency stopping lanes. They deny that they are (legally speaking) bus lanes.

(Incidentally, if they are emergency stopping lanes, how come the police get away with parking up in them for speed camera revenue gathering? Hardly an emergency, is it? )

[eliot-ness]

Just a little point here that everyone seems to have missed. If you pull over onto the emergency/bus lane and stop you are in the right. However, if you pull over and continue to overtake traffic, as you did the cop car, that can be considered as driving in an emergency lane/bus lane. Your mistake was to be moving faster than the traffic. Splitting hairs maybe but it puts the cop in the right and you in the wrong. Still not worth a ticket though. A warning should have been enough.

[sAsLEX]

They are allowed to use them around town and in the suburbs as the local council's who are the authority dont have a problem with it.


Transit who are the authority on the motorways decided that bikes should not be allowed in bus lanes. No bikes are allowed on bus lanes on motorways or motorway onramps.



WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The responsibility over the Bus lane/bike/HOV thingy used to lie with the councils but they introduced new legislation last year to make the rules the same the whole country over, which include the motorcycles must be "specifically" mentioned as not allowed bit.

They aint bus lanes on the motorway else we would be allowed to use them! Their argument is that they have an aggrement with the bus companies to allow them to use the emergency stopping lane during peak times, and have uncorrectly labeled them as bus lanes, silly fools, you see the bus lane at the bottom of the Harbour bridge heading city bound in the mornings is not on an emergency stopping lane , is labled as a bus lane , and does not specifically exclude me therefor I am legally allowed to use that bus lane on that motorway.


And if they aint Buslanes on the motorway why oh why do they carry the exact same sinage as other buslanes throughout the rest of the cuntry?? If one was to only peruse the laws of the land before driving here you would be quite correct in assuming that you could legally drive in them.

[Patrick]

Just a little point here that everyone seems to have missed. If you pull over onto the emergency/bus lane and stop you are in the right. However, if you pull over and continue to overtake traffic, as you did the cop car, that can be considered as driving in an emergency lane/bus lane. Your mistake was to be moving faster than the traffic. Splitting hairs maybe but it puts the cop in the right and you in the wrong. Still not worth a ticket though. A warning should have been enough.

Got it in one. Why not "stop" and rectify the situation, like, ummm, wipe the visor clear? To drive on with a fogged up visor could be seen as careless use, meaning court time and disqualification at the courts discretion, not an instant fine.

[Ixion]

..The responsibility over the Bus lane/bike/HOV thingy used to lie with the councils but they introduced new legislation last year to make the rules the same the whole country over, which include the motorcycles must be "specifically" mentioned as not allowed bit.

They aint bus lanes on the motorway else we would be allowed to use them! Their argument is that they have an aggrement with the bus companies to allow them to use the emergency stopping lane during peak times, and have uncorrectly labeled them as bus lanes, silly fools, you see the bus lane at the bottom of the Harbour bridge heading city bound in the mornings is not on an emergency stopping lane , is labled as a bus lane , and does not specifically exclude me therefor I am legally allowed to use that bus lane on that motorway.


And if they aint Buslanes on the motorway why oh why do they carry the exact same sinage as other buslanes throughout the rest of the cuntry?? If one was to only peruse the laws of the land before driving here you would be quite correct in assuming that you could legally drive in them.

Pretty much so. The law actually refers to "Special purpose lanes". Of which, bus lanes are one. And says that we can use them. But Transit, when that law came out, spat the dummy and threw their toys out of the cot with a vengence. Their argument is that there are no bus lanes on the motorways. What the buses do is drive on the emergency stopping shoulder (only motorways have these , I think), according to a special agreement with Transit.

However , as someone noted, the bus lane on the Harbour Bridge approach is scarely an emergency stopping shoulder. I think that where there is a bus lane AND an emergency stopping shoulder, one could readily defend a charge of riding in that bus lane. But , no,.I don't want to be the guinea pig.

[sAsLEX]

one could readily defend a charge of riding in that bus lane. But , no,.I don't want to be the guinea pig.
But it is a pain in the arse doing so!

What Dymantus said has clarified for me the fact that cops dont know the laws they enforce, back when the Bus lanes were controlloed by the council a cop did me for using a Bus Lane in Auckland City which was at the time allowed, I said to her look you are allowed to use bus lanes, but that big tourist bus you just let through aint, she took me as a smart arse and gave me the ticket as I knew more than her and she couldnt be arsed looking up the relevant law before going out and doing a sting operation on people using bus lanes. I got off after writing a ticket, but surely cops should know the laws about which they charge people!?

[Ixion]

But it is a pain in the arse doing so!

.. I said to her look you are allowed to use bus lanes, but that big tourist bus you just let through aint, ..

Yep, little known niceity that. Bus lanes can only be used by buses on SCHEDULED services. So tourist coaches, minibuses etc can't legally use them.

[Patrick]

Bus lane = lane for busses... (just keepin it simple...)

[sAsLEX]

Yep, little known niceity that. Bus lanes can only be used by buses on SCHEDULED services. So tourist coaches, minibuses etc can't legally use them.

I know. Now let me bet not one officer probally does know that!

[sAsLEX]

Bus lane = lane for busses... (just keepin it simple...)

Simple for simple folk right!

They did just lower the standards of entry right?

[Patrick]

Simple for simple folk right!

They did just lower the standards of entry right?

Yep... now even you can join...

[sAsLEX]

Yep... now even you can join...

lol mate you are soo funny, why would I drop my current commission to become one of the hated!

[Patrick]

lol mate you are soo funny, why would I drop my current commission to become one of the hated!

Lucky we aren't on commission...

[The_Dover]

Lucky we aren't on commission...

or trying to meet a quota...............

[Ixion]

Bus lane = lane for busses... (just keepin it simple...)

Er, no. Bus lane = Special vehicle lane for the use of cyclists, motorcyclist OR buses on a scheduled service. Not tour buses, not minibuses, not buses with a "Out of service" sign up. And bus lane on motorway = emergency stopping shoulder".





Land Transport (Road user) Rule 2004
2.12.Motorways—

(1)A driver must not enter a motorway except at an opportunity and at a speed that will place the driver correctly in the stream of traffic without danger to any other user of the motorway.


(2)A driver must not stop or park on a motorway except in an area set aside and indicated by a traffic sign as a parking area.


(3)A driver must not drive in an emergency stopping lane unless—


(a)the driver needs to drive in it to avoid a collision or to stop in an emergency; or


(b)the driver's vehicle is disabled; or


(c)a sign at the entrance to the lane indicates vehicles of a specified class or classes may use the lane during the time specified on the sign and the driver is operating a vehicle of that specified class or one of those specified classes.


(4)A driver must not reverse or make a U-turn on a motorway.


3a is what covers the original posters issue. And note it says "the driver needs to drive in it to avoid a collision or to stop in an emergency; ". So you may indeed drive in the emergency shoulder in an emergency!

3c is what allows buses to use the emergency shoulder

Same regulation, Sect 1.6





``bus lane'' means a lane reserved by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane and at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection for the use of—


(a)buses; and


[(b)cycles, mopeds, and motorcycles (unless one or more are specifically excluded by the sign)]

....................

``special vehicle lane'' means a lane defined by signs or markings as restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle; and includes a bus lane, a transit lane, a cycle lane, and a light rail vehicle lane


I would expect that every police officer would be entirely familar with the above :yes:

[Patrick]

I would expect that every police officer would be entirely familar with the above :yes:[/QUOTE]

Nope... don't have bus lanes here... don't even have a decent bus service!!!!

[Squeak the Rat]

Nope... don't have bus lanes here... don't even have a decent bus service!!!!

Auckland doesn't have a decent bus service either, but that's no excuse for our coppas! (they use other excuses :))

Maybe the ticketing officer had just moved up from the 'naki....

[Patrick]

Maybe the ticketing officer had just moved up from the 'naki....

Nah... why would they? Mountains, surf, rivers, all clean and no smog... crays and fish everywhere (no overfishing by the millions...), a 5 minute rush our (on a bad day), and within reach to a great ride to Whangamomona - the bikers haven... life is good...

[bobsmith]

So... hangon... to clearify, since the law change, the left most land south bound on Harbour bridge that is called left turn and bus only lane until 9am or so... since it is Not an emergency stopping lane, motorcyclists are allowed on them? Please clearify anyone in the know?

Thinking about moving back to the shore next year since I've had enough of this suicide capital of NZ.... I'd rather be in the economic capital of NZ

[spudchucka]

I would expect that every police officer would be entirely familar with the above :yes:

Bus lanes? Shit, we don't even have traffic lights here!

[Patrick]

Bus lanes? Shit, we don't even have traffic lights here!

I've seen em once... they were bright and flashy... we danced under em...

[sAsLEX]

Lucky we aren't on commission...
Your on the wrong track there mate

The Queen's Commisson is awarded to all officers of the British, Canadian, Austrailian and New Zealand armed forces. It represents Queen Elizabeth II's trust in Her new officer, and sets out his special responsibilities.

Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND OF HER OTHER REALMS AND TERRITORIES QUEEN, HEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH .........

[sAsLEX]

3c is what allows buses to use the emergency shoulder


Ahh but on the MW the fact that the buses can use the emergency stopping lane is indicated by signs declaring that between certain hours it is in fact a BUS LANE. And does not specifically exclude motorcycles, bicycles are specifically excluded from entering the Motorway at all. It even has BUS LANE painted on the ground.

It does not differ in signage from other bus lanes, yet it aint a bus lane according to transit so maybe they need to resign...

[Lou Girardin]

The 'bus lane' on the Harbour Bridge only begins at the St Mary's Bay off-ramp.
The left lane on the bridge can be used by other traffic.

[nadroj]

QUOTE]

Nope... don't have bus lanes here... don't even have a decent bus service!!!![/QUOTE]

Nothing wrong with my 'Bus"a service.

[ManDownUnder]

I honestly think the whole think needs to be revisited. As can be seen here - so many rules, so many agencies and so much confusion. We need an edict from Central Government saying motorcycles can or can not use bus lanes. A simple yes... or no.

Obviously I prefer yes

BRONZ able to help here or already working on it?

[Squeak the Rat]

I honestly think the whole think needs to be revisited. As can be seen here - so many rules, so many agencies and so much confusion. We need an edict from Central Government saying motorcycles can or can not use bus lanes. A simple yes... or no.

Obviously I prefer yes

BRONZ able to help here or already working on it?

As long as the answer doesn't come back that it's been reviewed and bikes are not allowed to use bus lanes at all. :(

[sAsLEX]

I honestly think the whole think needs to be revisited. As can be seen here - so many rules, so many agencies and so much confusion. We need an edict from Central Government saying motorcycles can or can not use bus lanes. A simple yes... or no.

Obviously I prefer yes

BRONZ able to help here or already working on it?

Thats what they tried to do last year with the current legislation, remove the responsibility from individual councils etc so there is one law for all.


But transit rather than complying and putting up signs saying "Motorcycles Prohibited" or some other specific exclusion to stop us using them as defined in the new law, instead just said "nup they aint bus lanes even though thats what we mark them as".

[sunhuntin]

no buslanes here, but used the ones along the wellington motorway once. dumbass idea [nearly crashed trying to read the tiny print stating m/cycles or vehicles with two or more people etc etc] impossible riding along there, cars to the right and then parked cars to the left. never again! now i just sit in traffic.

but i would consider riding at a slow speed to clear a visor a valid reason for using that lane...better that than rearend someone, surely.

[Skyryder]

The only real way of sorting this out is take it to court. The roads are public ways and has been paid for by your taxes. Do local bodies have the right to deny permanent access to 'parts' of the roads, motorway that you own? Going to cost but that too me seems to be the only way out of this one.

Skyryder

[Jantar]

I think it is time for someone to defend this bus lane crap.
.
When I pass through Auckland next April on the Southern Cross, I shall hit the Auckland motorway during rush hour in both directions. I therefore intend to make a point of riding on the bus lanes, and if I get ticketed I shall defend that ticket all the way. Its about time that this was clarified, and the only way is to have a test case that is defended.

[skidMark]

He probably saw my number plate QKKID and thought yes :blip: got that barstard for having that numberplate

a plate like that is kinda asking for it in all honesty

[Girlie]

Revolt - fight it in the courts - lets all clog the courts up with these stupid tickets

[Squiggles]

shit-stur and write a formal complaint about how the officer "offended you" :P

[Lou Girardin]

When I pass through Auckland next April on the Southern Cross, I shall hit the Auckland motorway during rush hour in both directions. I therefore intend to make a point of riding on the bus lanes, and if I get ticketed I shall defend that ticket all the way. Its about time that this was clarified, and the only way is to have a test case that is defended.

Wouldn't it be better if a local did it? Then you wouldn't have to come up here for court.

[SixPackBack]

a plate like that is kinda asking for it in all honesty

Please explain why Mark.

[Squeak the Rat]

Wouldn't it be better if a local did it? Then you wouldn't have to come up here for court.

I thought the defendant chooses the court location? (am i wrong here?)

If so then an out of towner would be even better. Alexandra doesn't even have buses let alone bus lanes. They would have to go by the rules, not the brainwashing done by transit.....

[R6_kid]

shit, even i got asked what my reason for doing a wheelie was when i popped one in town, thats far more dangerous and illegal and i didnt even get a written warning or anything. I just got told not to be a dick around town (does that mean i can do them elsewhere?)

[spudchucka]

I thought the defendant chooses the court location? (am i wrong here?)

If so then an out of towner would be even better. Alexandra doesn't even have buses let alone bus lanes. They would have to go by the rules, not the brainwashing done by transit.....

The court appearance will be in the court nearest to the offence location.

The only way you can transfer it to another court is to register you intention to plead guilty, then it will be transferred to a court of your choosing where you will be sentenced, which sort of defeats Jantar's purpose.

[Jantar]

The court appearance will be in the court nearest to the offence location.

The only way you can transfer it to another court is to register you intention to plead guilty, then it will be transferred to a court of your choosing where you will be sentenced, which sort of defeats Jantar's purpose.
True, and that way when I win I can applyfor costs. I don't mind if the police pay for me to ride my bike to Auckland.

[spudchucka]

True, and that way when I win I can applyfor costs. I don't mind if the police pay for me to ride my bike to Auckland.

Apply, but don't hold your breath.

[Searchin']

I know an ex-police officer. I've known him since before he joined. When he left, he went through this spell of being really rude and short to people.
Honestly - to try and put a bit of perspective in this - I think they are over worked and jaded. They spend most of the time mired in beaurocracy and dealing with true slime bags.
Nevertheless, I don't like them too much myself. They do in fact get a bit power crazed and unreasonable.
It's not good enough that they lash out at the trully innocent because they're having a bad day and they're an easy target.

[GIXser]

Fuck the dirty filthy pigs i say, the good ones are very few and far between,
as far as im concerned they can go get fucked, cant wait for the day, that one of the cunts needs a bystanders help, cos he/she is getting a beating by some drunk--- i'll thoroughly enjoy myself...

childish, immature you say,, too fuckin bad, cops have no credibility with me anymore----

[shafty]

QIKKD, I didn't read all the posts (tooooo long) but you may never receive the ticket; I got hauled over for running an Orange Light" in my (then) truck, I politely, frustratedly explained that I was watching the car to my left veering in to my lane and had a load of veges on board, and apologised if he felt that wasn't reasonable, - didn't lose my cool (just). I explained to him this ticket if he wrote one would lose my licence/job, and stood in the rain, declining his offer to wait in the truck or his car.

Obviously he thought about it later and never posted it as he said he would.

Good luck Dude. (ps Some cops have a real power trip don't they?)

[tomthepohm]

Think your are preching to the converted here. The cops are only interested in your money mate, the fact that he is a dickhead has nothing to do with it.

5 points for maseing a copper.
10 points for a tazer.

PS, right on Giser. good to see you are back mate...

[The_Dover]

cant wait for the day, that one of the cunts needs a bystanders help, cos he/she is getting a beating by some drunk--- i'll thoroughly enjoy myself...

hopefully it'll be indoo and you'll have a camera handy.

[sAsLEX]

The court appearance will be in the court nearest to the offence location.

The only way you can transfer it to another court is to register you intention to plead guilty, then it will be transferred to a court of your choosing where you will be sentenced, which sort of defeats Jantar's purpose.

Thats a bit off get done as one of the others on here for "dangerous driving" through scaring some old biddy out on a sunday drive whilst away on holiday say then 7 months later get a summons to go to court up to a few thousand KM away all on some trumpped up charge based on someones account who aint even a cop!?

Justice shouldn't cost and you should be able to go t oyour local court in my opinion.

[ManDownUnder]

Justice shouldn't cost and you should be able to go t oyour local court in my opinion.

The theory goes that you then sue whoever for costs if you've been wrongfully accused. The only costs there are the occasional lawyers' fees and lets face it - they don't add up to anything more than your average night out at the Ritz

[sAsLEX]

Apply, but don't hold your breath.


The theory goes that you then sue whoever for costs if you've been wrongfully accused. The only costs there are the occasional lawyers' fees and lets face it - they don't add up to anything more than your average night out at the Ritz


Thats the theory but from spuds quote above it seldom happens so in this country you are guilty till proven innocent and then have to pay to prove that inncoence.

[tomthepohm]

I recon some one should start up a site similar to this one, called NZ PIGS, recon you would make heeps. Everyone hates them, and everyone would write in.

[scumdog]

Fuck the dirty filthy pigs i say, the good ones are very few and far between,
as far as im concerned they can go get fucked, cant wait for the day, that one of the cunts needs a bystanders help, cos he/she is getting a beating by some drunk--- i'll thoroughly enjoy myself...

childish, immature you say,, too fuckin bad, cops have no credibility with me anymore----

Who bloody cares about what you think!:whocares:

Grow up and quit trolling.:mellow:

[scumdog]

I recon some one should start up a site similar to this one, called NZ PIGS, recon you would make heeps. Everyone hates them, and everyone would write in.

Back to Enid Blyton for you too lassie!!

[tomthepohm]

Haha, bet your a cop...

Dont worry we dont tarn you all witht the same brush mate

[Swoop]

The only costs there are the occasional lawyers' fees and lets face it - they don't add up to anything more than your average night out at the Ritz
Correct. However you have to add on the airfares (1st class of course) to London, limo from airport to The Ritz, arrival taxes, etc, etc...

Lawyer jokes exist for a reason...

[Indoo]

hopefully it'll be indoo and you'll have a camera handy.

Thats almost insulting, it would take at least two drunks.

[spudchucka]

I recon some one should start up a site similar to this one, called NZ PIGS, recon you would make heeps. Everyone hates them, and everyone would write in.

The flip side to the title of this thread is that "some members of the public are arseholes".

You could also go down the lines of:

Some bikers are arseholes.
Some Poms are arseholes.
Some librarians are arseholes.
Some flag pole painters are arseholes.
Some arseholes are arseholes.

Etc, etc, etc......................

Bottom line is that some people are arseholes, occupation does not determine whether an arsehole you are or not.

Go ahead and start your web site because I reckon it will be a great spot for all the arseholes to hang out.

[spudchucka]

Haha, bet your a cop...

Its taken you since the 2nd of May to figure that out?

[The_Dover]

Some arseholes are arseholes.


Surely logic would determine that ALL arseholes are arseholes?

[NC]

You should have offered him head:yes:

[NC]

Surely logic would determine that ALL arseholes are arseholes?

Not if it was a shriveled up cunt...ew

[Divot]

On the North Western Motorway the bus lanes are like the first sign below. The signs on the Northern and Southern Motorways are like the second one. The first sign meand buses only and the second on means buses, cycles,motorcycles and mopeds. This is the sign that you also see in the citys. On the motorways this sign has the hours that the stopping lane is a bus lane and a sign saying BUSES ONLY.

This means that every other type of motor vehicle is excluded from the lane.

I know of a bus driver that got a ticket for driving in and bus lane outside of the bus lane times.

url link http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/signs-and-signals/main-types-of-signs2.html

[GIXser]

Who bloody cares about what you think!:whocares:

Grow up and quit trolling.:mellow:


Haha, bet your a cop...

Dont worry we dont tarn you all witht the same brush mate

your'e right Tom me boy, Scumpig is the fuzz,,, (he doesnt even have a bike and he's on this site, look at his posts they total 7000 + (someone doesnt have any mates):Police: :2guns:

[GIXser]

hopefully it'll be indoo and you'll have a camera handy.

yeah and i will jump in and "smash em both" there aint nothin like a bit o biffo" i enjoy it immensly--

[sAsLEX]

This means that every other type of motor vehicle is excluded from the lane.


No it does not they must be "SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED" from the silly law that they passed.

ie normally we can use bus lanes if we aint allowed it must say "Motorcycles Excluded" or have the pic I made

[Jantar]

On the North Western Motorway the bus lanes are like the first sign below. The signs on the Northern and Southern Motorways are like the second one. The first sign meand buses only and the second on means buses, cycles,motorcycles and mopeds. This is the sign that you also see in the citys. On the motorways this sign has the hours that the stopping lane is a bus lane and a sign saying BUSES ONLY.

This means that every other type of motor vehicle is excluded from the lane.

I know of a bus driver that got a ticket for driving in and bus lane outside of the bus lane times.

url link http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/signs-and-signals/main-types-of-signs2.html
In the BUSES ONLY sign, can you please point to the part that specifies motorcycles.

This is the definition of SPECIFY

Main Entry: spec·i·fy
Pronunciation: 'spe-s&-"fI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing
Etymology: Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus
1 : to name or state explicitly or in detail
2 : to include as an item in a specification
- spec·i·fi·able /"spe-s&-'fI-&-b&l/ adjective
- spec·i·fi·er /'spe-s&-"fI(-&)r/ noun

[davereid]

hmm... some cops ARE arsehole... but some have been bloody great...

trouble is... I don't know how to tell which one has just pulled me over !

Until... they open their gob.. then I know...

[Lou Girardin]

Bottom line is that some people are arseholes, occupation does not determine whether an arsehole you are or not.



But some tend to attract more than their share of arseholes. Usually those that give a little power of people. Cops, politicians, surgeons, men in white coats at race meetings, etc.
The there's occupations that arseholes naturally gravitate to, sales, help desks, etc.
I'm really surprised that I haven't turned into one.

[scumdog]

your'e right Tom me boy, Scumpig is the fuzz,,, (he doesnt even have a bike and he's on this site, look at his posts they total 7000 + (someone doesnt have any mates):Police: :2guns:

Sez the boy with only ONE bike - and it's only a 'zuki!:wait: :whistle:

And mates? you mean you HAVE to have mates?:gob:

[ManDownUnder]

In the BUSES ONLY sign, can you please point to the part that specifies motorcycles.

This is the definition of SPECIFY

Main Entry: spec·i·fy
Pronunciation: 'spe-s&-"fI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing
Etymology: Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus
1 : to name or state explicitly or in detail
2 : to include as an item in a specification
- spec·i·fi·able /"spe-s&-'fI-&-b&l/ adjective
- spec·i·fi·er /'spe-s&-"fI(-&)r/ noun

Yeah but... lets say you/we win that argument - what is the outcome going to be?

They have to change the signs... which costs moeny... which comes from??? Taxes and tickets.

I think we're better to not pursue that, clarify the issue at hand as one where motorcycles should be alowed to use bus lanes because reasons A, B and C deem it beneficial, sensible and safe and the long term benefits will be D E and F

At that point the signs will change, or the interpretation of the rules and writing on those signs will change.

Don't attack the symptoms, attack the problem.

[spudchucka]

But some tend to attract more than their share of arseholes. Usually those that give a little power of people. Cops, politicians, surgeons, men in white coats at race meetings, etc.
The there's occupations that arseholes naturally gravitate to, sales, help desks, etc..............

Internet forums where you get to be a legend in your own lunch box.

[The_Dover]

Internet forums where you get to be a legend in your own lunch box.

I hope you're not taking the piss out of my Winnie the Pooh lunchbox, pig?

[Patrick]

I recon some one should start up a site similar to this one, called NZ PIGS, recon you would make heeps. "EVERYONE" hates them, and "EVERYONE" would write in.

Haha, bet your a cop...

Dont worry we dont tarn you all witht the same brush mate


Ummm.... you just did... highlighted the parts that apply...

[Patrick]

your'e right Tom me boy, Scumpig is the fuzz,,, (he doesnt even have a bike and he's on this site, look at his posts they total 7000 + (someone doesnt have any mates):Police: :2guns:

YOU HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR A WHILE...

[Patrick]

yeah and i will jump in and "smash em both" there aint nothin like a bit o biffo" i enjoy it immensly--

Tui moment?

[Finn]

Internet forums where you get to be a legend in your own lunch box.

So what's your excuse then Mr Unpopular?

[GIXser]

Tui moment?

hmmm, yeah just one of my anger problems,, i'll work it out one day,,!!

[spudchucka]

So what's your excuse then Mr Unpopular?

I'm just here to annoy wankers like you.

[Finn]

I'm just here to annoy wankers like you.

Sorry to break the news to you buddy boy, but you're not very annoying. But nice work on your detective work. Yes, I do masterbate but that's perfectly normal. Don't tell me you still believe your mummy when she told you it was dirty.

[boomer]

Is this a pig bashing thread??? can i join in???

[scumdog]

Is this a pig bashing thread??? can i join in???

Why not, even I join in to add to the hilarity!!

[Qkkid]

Well guys i wrote in and got off the ticket. Just got the letter in the mail today. Just goes to show it pays to write in when you feel unjustly treated. At the end of the day you are allowed to use the bus lane if you need to and dont let a cop say you cant, because if they do they are just being wankers.

Cheers a happy biker:scooter:
COMMON SENSE PREVAILED