Helmet cam footage that shows drivers passing dangerously close to cyclists can now be used get the offending vehicle crushed.
Police in London have warned motorists who drive too close to cyclists that their cars could be confiscated and crushed. Section 59 of the Road Reform Act allows the police to give drivers a warning if they use their vehicle in a manner which causes “alarm, distress or annoyance”. If the vehicle is used in an antisocial manner again within 12 months, the law allows police to seize it.
The move by police in the north London borough of Camden to use Section 59 to tackle motorists who drive too close when overtaking a bicycle means helmet cam footage taken by cyclists could be used to help remove dangerous drivers from the road. After an initial warning from police officers, video evidence from a third party would be sufficient to take a driver to court under section 59.
According to Sergeant Nick Clarke, who has introduced the initiative to his Camden Town and Primrose Hill Ward, the threat of having a car crushed is a ‘powerful motivator for people to drive safely’.
A plain clothes officer on a bicycle rides a figure of eight route looking out for drivers using mobile phones or passing dangerously close to cyclists. Other officers waiting along the route stand ready to stop the offenders.
Other police forces around Britain should introduce similar initiatives without delay.
How does the law regard helmet cam footage?
There is no reason why helmet cam footage cannot be admitted as evidence like CCTV is used. It is likely that a witness statement would have to accompany the helmet cam footage and it would have to be downloaded to a CD with a certificate (countersigned by a solicitor) stating that it had not been altered in any way from its original digital format.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
John Harpur
Hopefully, car cam footage of cyclists riding dangerously ( a far greater occurrence ) will enable the bike to be seized and crushed !
Penny
I would be interested to see the evidence that John Harpur has to demonstrate that there are more cyclists riding dangerously. There are cyclists who undoubtedly ride illegally and recklessly, and car drivers too, are they really a far greater occurence?
Cyclists at the end of the day aren’t behind the wheel of a ton or so of metal travelling at speed.
How many cyclists do you see every day on their phones…. and how many drivers?
Corrigan
Totally agree
Corrigan
Totally agree with John that is.
John L
Meanwhile the police will refuse to come out if your house is burgled because they haven’t got the manpower “due to cuts”.
Malcolm Hayter
John Harpur has a distorted view of the world – most cyclists are also drivers and without question vehicle drivers are the primary culprits.
Anne Damerell
Why crush the car? It wasn’t the car’s fault. It’s the driver who has to be dealt with, not by crushing.
H.O Jones
Now there’s an idea, crush the errant driver and the errant rider, what greater deterrent effect would you need? Might be frowned upon in certain quarters I expect !!!
Ben doon
Well I can’t see too many cars being crushed. The police and councils make far too much revenue from parking and speeding fines . Oh maybe they plan to fine cyclists with no lights.jumping red lights and causing harm and harassment to pedestrians when riding on pavements. No I don’t think so. Far too much hassle for the police to track down cyclists. It’s time they were licensed and insured with number plates likes cars
Corrigan
Agreed