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Cops and ZigZags
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Author:  Jasbar [ Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:46 am ]
Post subject:  Cops and ZigZags

It would appear that our cops have had a field day charging drivers with stopping on the zigzags at the Pleasance theatre.

Now we all know how they like to do this. Because it's a simple collar. An easy notch on their belt so their sergeant can be satisfied they are doing their job.

But this raises a number of issues.

First, the zigzags are supposed to be to allow pedestrians and other road users an unobstructed view of a crossing. Well, that's fair enough. After all, aren't we all interested in road safety?

So, given this, then you would think that the deciding factor in the length of zigzags would be the prevailing speed limit, with perhaps an allowance for those who travel just faster. That would seem fair and equitable?

Except, in Edinburgh there is no consistency of length. And, when convenient, the council removes them completely. (The crossing in Home Street has none)

Grassmarket for instance. A crossing with lengthy zigzags, but not at the kerbside where they are conveniently removed to allow buses to stop. As if a parked bus wouldn't obscure the crossing, negate road safety? Of course this is of no consequence when a cop decides to persecute a cabby.

Look around the town. Planners just make it up. There are too many examples of this to name. Crossings with short zigzag lines on one side, and long ones on the other? The same road safety conditions are not equally applicable from both directions? Really?

Then there's Raeburn Place. Crossing point extended into the road, narrowing it. Yet the recessed areas before and after it have zigzags preventing parking, despite the fact that parked cars there would not obscure the crossing, because it is highly visible due to it being extended into the roadway.

Many examples. No consistency. All simply designed for maximum confusion for drivers and the best possible opportunity for cops to book motorists.

And, now for the ultimate hypocrisy. The rules do not apply to cops. I've lost count of the number of times I've witnessed cops parked on zigzags in Raeburn Place, as they shop for their "playpiece" just around the corner from their coven at East Fettes. Or the number of times they've parked on zigzags as they go off on their missions, whatever they are. Or in the Grass market when they pull some miscreant motorist for driving through the ridiculous Cowgate road closure and by the time they get to them they've reached the crossing. Do the cops, with a mind for crossing safety pull their victim over beyond the crossing? Nope, they just stop. Two cars on the crossing and its obscured. But its OK because its the cops doing it.

Think a cabby would get away with it?

Not a chance.

It wouldn't surprise me if the cop involved in my Pleasance case came up with the zigzags as an excuse for his deplorable behaviour. Particularly since I've now heard some drivers claim that cops were tapping into their PDAs as they drove onto the rank.

And we all know how they lie to save their skin. But if that had been the case he wouldn't have told me to move up an empty rank while putting my passengers safety at risk. He would have detained me.

As I said. You can't trust a cop.

Well, a good number of them anyway.

BTW You've got other examples of inconsistent zigzags? Then let's have them.

And when you spot a cop parked on the zigzags, why not take a photie and post it here along with the date and time information?

Author:  durr [ Tue Aug 28, 2012 6:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cops and ZigZags

Jasbar,

I've twice successfully defended myself in court for parking on zigzags. It's dead easy, check all the dimensions etc in the RTA 1982. One time they didn't have enough zigzags, needs to be 8 either side. If the dimensions are out you will get away with it.

Author:  citievictor [ Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cops and ZigZags

Also during the(turn a blind eye) month of august they dont give a sh*t, anyone remember the ridiculous parking of the coaches on the top of market street, then a foot apart on george 1V bridge?with the bus stops still in operation,of course they just shut of one of the most used thoroughfares chambers street now,oh were an easy target alrite,and tourists jaywalking with complete gay abandon while the keystone cops look the other way and then tell motorists to calm it when they toot them,photos oh aye ,defo.....

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