Why traffic police are a GOOD thing

[rodgerd]

So who does like speed cameras then?

They're cheap law enforcement.

[vifferman]

Yup - that's me - sensible and a newbie learner... therefore I don't want to go super fast... I like to go at a nice sensible speed at the moment

Good for you.

Yeah - I didn't really mean the odd 10K or so over the top, I meant the 2 idiots on those blue and white sports bikes in Dorkland last night who were doing around 100 down Ponsnobby Road...

What time was that? (Although I work on Ponsonby Rd, it wasn't me, by the way - my bike's red, and I wasn't riding it yesterday anyway). But I know what you mean - I used to regularly get passed on the Harbour Bridge by some eedjit on one of those "brightly coloured crotch rockets" doing at least 30 km/h faster than everyone else as he lane-split his way to work. Or eternity...

Its the recklessness that bugs me - if you want to take your bike out and go fast - go to a track day, you are less likely to hit someone/piss off the locals/annoy a cop/die.

Crikey. You almost sound like one of those LTSA billboards. But you're quite right.

[Posh Tourer :P]

The problem is not the cameras per se, it is the focus on speed as a problem, and the subsequent belief that police do not need to patrol those areas where there are cameras, or anywhere for that matter. Nicer to see an "anywhere, anytime" approach here, better than fixed cameras, more of a pain for anyone who wants to do 111kmh on a straight though.

Oh and Bob, I have noticed that as people get more used to the cameras, they stop slowing down so much - most traffic round Akl sits at about 55-60kmh past a speed camera ie just below getting caught...

[MrMelon]

I followed an unmarked cop car a couple of weeks ago that was driving pretty erratically. Pulled up at the lights next to him and the bastard was sending text messages on his phone!

[James Deuce]

I followed an unmarked cop car a couple of weeks ago that was driving pretty eratically. Pulled up at the lights next to him and the bastard was sending text messages on his phone!

(Message too short, angry, and full of obscenities)

[vifferman]

I followed an unmarked cop car a couple of weeks ago that was driving pretty erratically. Pulled up at the lights next to him and the bastard was sending text messages on his phone!

And you didn't pull him over (citizen's arrest?)?
You could have at least tootled melodiously, then wagged you finger at him and shaken your head.

[gav]

So did you tap on the window and ask him WTF he was doing?

[vifferman]

So why is it that most times - but sadly (?) not all - when I see someone driving a bit weirdly, they're talking on their cellphone? And yet "The Powers That Be" (Feckin Eedjits That Shouldn't Be. more like) have decreed that there is insufficient evidence that cellphones are a traffic hazard to ban their use while driving? Saw an example just this morning - some twat parked acorss two lanes to turn left, and I was wondering why, till I saw he was driving one-handed and a cellphone stuck in the side of his head. AND he wasn't wearing a tinfoil hat, so the poor bastid was obiously suffering from Irradiated Brain Syndrome.

[Mongoose]

But you're right, inasmuch as bike riders who are inconsiderate or reckless law-breakers do tend to tar us all with the same brush. F'rinstance - bikers who just ride down the centre of the road, overtaking everything despite on-coming traffic; guys on bikes who lane-split when the traffic is moving at 80 km/h; guys who do stoppies or wheelies in traffic; bikers who weave in and out of the traffic; eedjits who exceed the speed limit by dangerous margins.

Hell, just read this posting, sounds like a air discription of some of our KB Bro's. Have a look at some of the other threads and there will be some one putting their hand up to any one or more of thse things

[James Deuce]

Hell, just read this posting, sounds like a air discription of some of our KB Bro's. Have a look at some of the other threads and there will be some one putting their hand up to any one or more of thse things

Ahem. You should read some of firestormer's trip to work stories.

I myself am of course perfect and never do anything wrong.

[Mongoose]

Ahem. You should read some of firestormer's trip to work stories.

I myself am of course perfect and never do anything wrong.

Angelic wee critters, aint we?

[James Deuce]

Angelic wee critters, aint we?

Oops I forgot to use smilies to point out irony again. Silly me.

[Jackrat]

Hey Bob,I know where all ya' cops are mate.
I spoke to one in Mangere today.
Nice guy to,he let me off a $190 fine for not wearing a seat belt.

[Blakamin]

And you didn't pull him over (citizen's arrest?)?

my boss did that 3 weeks ago... cop went "whatever"
so he *555'd him
(boss is a lawyer...scum of teh earth)

[scumdog]

Hey Bob,I know where all ya' cops are mate.
I spoke to one in Mangere today.
Nice guy to,he let me off a $190 fine for not wearing a seat belt.

$190 FOR NOT WEARING A SEATBELT? must be Auckland prices, down here they only charge $150