General Chat

Police spent 10,000 pound on a plane, helicopter and patrol car to bring a "nonsene" case to court...... a girl munching on an apple while driving!!! After a year and various court appearances she was found guilty of not being in full control of the vehicle and fined 60pound with 100 pound court costs!

Excessive and totally without thought. Didn't the same thing happen over a girl drinking from a bottle of water whilst STATIONARY at traffic lights.-Rose

this is appalling.... a blatant waste of police money.... BUT - can you provide more info? Why was a plane and a helicopter used?

Sorry but I don't agree.She was going round corners with one hand on the wheel. This is not much different from using a mobile. If people don't want to maintain proper control of their vehicle then they should not be on the road. What if she had killed someone? it does happen. Would you do this while taking a driving test? Bob

So driving with one hand on the wheel is wrong? how does a manual gearbox change speeds then? Things have changed slightly, since I learned to drive,,,, But at one time it was customary to wave an ARM through the window when preparing to turn a corner...... and you often see police documentaries where the DRIVER is talking into his lapel?

Yes it is wrong Bob. You are required by law not to do anything that could unnecessarily lessen your control of the car. Making lawful hand signals does not count. Eating apples, reading maps, smoking, talking to passengers and not watching the road is not required for safe driving. You are supposed to be in the right gear before making a turn. Bob

I know about being in the right gear..........the comment was.taking the hand off the wheel, to make the change. I know i am splitting hairs, but one thing is ok, and another is not. (I know she was eating the apple while turning, and I agree that was wrong) But the cost of that case.......Uggh! she must have been doing something else, apart from that...........

Diana, They brought in a double spotter plane with a crew of 3 and a force helicopter to video evidence against her!!!

Please tell me this is an urban myth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Otherwise that is a complete waste of police funds.... when are they going to use resource properly!!??

I heard this the helicopter was used becuase they first thought she was using her mobile.

no it's not an urban myth, sadly this did happen, as did the water bottle incident.

oh dear, I see what you mean Brian. I do agree that this copper seems to have used common sense (although driving without a seatbelt on is one of my pet peeves, its just STUPID).

And when did you last see or hear of someone smoking in a car while driving being stopped??? Helicopters etc were very over the top, even if she was using a mobile. incidentally I don't disagree with stopping her, just the method used. Ann Glos