SHAKTER
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2009
- Messages
- 544
- Car
- W124 320TE, W124 300CE, W124 E36 AMG, W210 E240 V6, G Wagon
So I'm driving home yesterday and notice a marked police car on my tail following me for about 500m or so. I knew they were following me and saw one of the guys in the car jotting down notes whilst looking at my number-plate. 2mins later, they flashed their lights and directed me to pull over, which I did.
1) It turns out that my number-plate is apparently not in the correct UK format (not reflective & is embossed - it’s a German style plate).
2) On the background check they discovered my MOT had expired in October. Dang.
I understand that the onus is on the driver to maintain MOTs and reminders are not sent out. I completely forgot to be honest and accept this is my fault. Got a fixed penalty notice as a result. The guy issuing the fine was one of those 'tick the box' type fellas, not the type that would exercise any discretion - I knew I'd be wasting my breath trying to argue out of the fine, so didn’t bother. It just surprises me that these guys don't seem to have any empathy when booking a completely law-abiding citizen who pays countless thousands of pounds in tax every year and spends a ridiculous amount on fuel these days….
They did let me off on the number-plate issue though - out of interest does anyone know what is the penalty for having the 'incorrect' number plate format?
Also I am now concerned about another thing. When they pulled me over, I had stop on a busy junction at a bus stop on what I think is double red lines. I am guessing there is a camera somewhere in the vicinity - if I get a PCN will I have a case against it given that I HAD TO STOP THERE at the Police request??!!
Thanks all.
1) It turns out that my number-plate is apparently not in the correct UK format (not reflective & is embossed - it’s a German style plate).
2) On the background check they discovered my MOT had expired in October. Dang.
I understand that the onus is on the driver to maintain MOTs and reminders are not sent out. I completely forgot to be honest and accept this is my fault. Got a fixed penalty notice as a result. The guy issuing the fine was one of those 'tick the box' type fellas, not the type that would exercise any discretion - I knew I'd be wasting my breath trying to argue out of the fine, so didn’t bother. It just surprises me that these guys don't seem to have any empathy when booking a completely law-abiding citizen who pays countless thousands of pounds in tax every year and spends a ridiculous amount on fuel these days….
They did let me off on the number-plate issue though - out of interest does anyone know what is the penalty for having the 'incorrect' number plate format?
Also I am now concerned about another thing. When they pulled me over, I had stop on a busy junction at a bus stop on what I think is double red lines. I am guessing there is a camera somewhere in the vicinity - if I get a PCN will I have a case against it given that I HAD TO STOP THERE at the Police request??!!
Thanks all.