Mark Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tell Us :police: Have you ever been stopped in your Military Vehicle by the police, if so why and what happened and did it change your opinion of the law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 7, 2007 Author Share Posted January 7, 2007 Oh! I forgot to add that (touch wood) I have been stopped by the police in my jeep once, but that was for a looksee and chat, still does not stop you worrying though thinking what have I done to desrve this :shake: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Yep. My brother and me where in his Jeep. We were painting it and it was partly dismantled, no nr. plates and such. He just gave us a friendly warning when we explained we were hard at work at it and took a drive to relax a little. He could have given us a shedload of fines but he was very understanding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Have you ever been stopped in your Military Vehicle by the police, Yes on a number of occasions did it change your opinion of the law. Yes, for the better (eventually sometimes) why and what happened I work on the principle that officer is just a bloke doing a job, a person like the rest of us you will have all the day to day life & job stresses that we all have. Being lippy, a smart bum or snotty is not going to help you. I just behave in a pleasant (but not creepy) matter of fact way as I would do any member of the public at a show. The first stop was an alert officer following me wondering why I was driving an armoured Land Rover with Irish number plates. After explaining the history of the vehicle & how I restored it, before he made his excuses, he asked when was the next MV show as he quite liked see the old vehicles. The following weekend I saw a bloke in shorts with a funny hat + a screamy kid on his shoulders eating a melting ice cream as he posed for a photo in front of my vehicle. I nearly went up to him but thought let him just enjoy his day. The next time there was a massive convoy travelling north from Marchwood military port, I rushed home & got my camera photoing most vehicles including some MP Rovers & MOD Police saloon cars. I lost track of one until I found it had broken from the convoy & had driven up behind me I was aked to explain myself. I am not sure of their powers of jurisdiction but I am sure they could have soon summoned someone who had. After a while of chatting their eyes were glazing over, all smiles & left & told me what other types of vehicle were yet to be photoed. The most recent time was being apprehended walking on the motorway trying to get some water for the pig. I was in the wrong & silly to do this I realise. Rather formal at first, quite rightly, once in the car & giving me a lift all was fine. It turns out they had just come from an official police event where I had been displaying the vehicle as it had a time in police service. They had been playing in the band at the event but were now back on duty. There have been a number of occasions at laybys or filling stations. I have been scrutinised from a distance, I just smile & often this initiates a conversation, it often turns out the officer is ex-forces or is a model maker or restores Land Rovers. So just blokes doing a job, a difficult one & one might as well try to make everybody's life easier. I can think of 3 officers I know of in MV/Land Rover restoration. Why do you ask? Have you ever been stopped? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 7, 2007 Author Share Posted January 7, 2007 No as a matter I have not, I was reading this type of post on another forum in the States and was curious as to who here may have had the same experience as them, over there they seem to be chucked in handcuffs (or bracelets as they say) and the 4th and 5th amendments seem to be forgotten, also they (the Yankees)don't seem to be allowed to drive their larger MV's unless thay are going to a show etc or they get a citation/ticket for not having a commercial licence, which seems a bit harsh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Haven't been pulled over but the Police stopped when I had an accident in the Fox, he didn't even ask what it was doing on the road & treated it as any other car accident, what he was concerned about was the extra set of plates I had hidden under the civy number plates, once I explained off he went.. he didn't even issue a provider.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 The only time I have been stopped by the police, when driving an ex-military vehicle was when visiting a friend in Sydney, Australia. He also collected military vehicles, and had his Ferret on display at a show in the northern outskirts of Sydney on the weekend I arrived. I went with him in his army Land Rover 2a, to collect the Ferret, when we got there, it turned out, that I was to escort him and another Ferret, back to the Lancers museum in Parramatta. Very good! I had no idea of the route, which was heading back in to town, so another guy with them had a car and said "follow me". We headed off at a cracking pace, me not taking my eyes of this car as it sped through intersections, just praying that the lights did not change. I had no idea how far befind, the Ferrets were, as there was no point me going slow for them, if my escort had dissappeared. Then it happened! I reached a crossroads and the lights went red, the car by now gone from site, as I sat there a white ute pulled up on my left........with red stripes on....the policewoman leaned out and motioned my to open my window. My first thought was, "only been in the country a day and have been pulled over.....great". She called out that one of the army vehicles following had something wrong with its indicators! All I could say was OK, I'll check, with that, lights changed and she sped off. I got down the road a bit and the car was waiting for me. We waited for the Ferrets and I got them to check their indicators, turned out the other guy was switching his flashers to the opposite position than intended. I told them about the police and we had a good laugh afterwards. I am sure she though we were the real army! Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilitantGraham Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 On my way to Evesham steam rally a few years ago in my Matador. It was about 11pm and I was travelling as close to my maximum speed of 33mph as possible. A police car pulled me in to a layby and the two policemen asked why I had got my orange rotating beacons on. I explained that I believed the law was that any vehicle travelling at less than 25mph on a road with a 50mph or greater speed limit had to display an orange beacon and although I was travelling at slightly over 30mph, it was dark and cars were coming up behind me at 60mph, so even if it wasn't compulsory, I thought it was a good idea. I was told that I shouldn't be using the beacon and if they saw me with it on again they would book me. I switched it for the rest of the journey, but have always used a beacon since when driving a slow vehicle on fast roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Although far from slow I always use the beacon on my Fox & drive with the headlights on, still it didn't stop some silly cow driving in to me.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 On my way to Evesham steam rally a few years ago in my Matador. It was about 11pm and I was travelling as close to my maximum speed of 33mph as possible. A police car pulled me in to a layby and the two policemen asked why I had got my orange rotating beacons on. I explained that I believed the law was that any vehicle travelling at less than 25mph on a road with a 50mph or greater speed limit had to display an orange beacon and although I was travelling at slightly over 30mph, it was dark and cars were coming up behind me at 60mph, so even if it wasn't compulsory, I thought it was a good idea. I was told that I shouldn't be using the beacon and if they saw me with it on again they would book me. I switched it for the rest of the journey, but have always used a beacon since when driving a slow vehicle on fast roads. Interesting.... Did they explain to you the times when it is right to use the beacons???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilitantGraham Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 No, they just told me I shouldn't be using them. They also said that if anyone drove a car in to the back of me they would come off worse and it would be their fault so I shouldn't worry about it. My Matador had two Land Rover plastic tail lights and HGV marker boards on the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john fox Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 moving from the car park to the petrol pumps at Thurrock services on the M25 my Ferret commander was sitting on the back hatch flap. When we stopped a plod came over and asked if that was where the commander sat on the move, we assured him no he sat down within the turret. I thought he had a fair point as anyone sitting up top at motorway speeds would be stupid - that said of course you are hardly much safer sitting inside :banghead: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 8, 2007 Author Share Posted January 8, 2007 Interesting to hear all the above, but what was the attitude of the Police at the time, I know some can be "jobs worth" or some just plain nice, any thoughts?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TooTallMike Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 When I bought the WLF from Lys Tout Terrain (40 miles South of Calais), it was in a very sorry state - broken windscreens, half the lights u/s, iffy tyres, dubious registration status etc. In my infinite wisdom I had decided to drive it home regardless. We stopped for fuel about halfway to Calais. The truck wouldn't fit in the 'station service' so the guys with the accompanying landy drove in with the jerrycans and filled them up. While I was waiting I decided to do a 3-point turn in the furniture warehouse car park next door so that I'd be facing the right way to leave again. As I began to reverse, I clocked a Police Nationale Renault Clio driving round the corner. He made a beeline for me and ducked in about 6" behind the truck and stopped. I was then stuck halfway across the road so I tentatively continued to reverse to show them what my intention was. They moved and I parked up where they had been, just off the road. The Clio stopped nearby and the cops appeared to be discussing their next move. I thought "here we go" and put on my best 'ignorant englishman' expression ready for the inquisition. At this point the (UK registered) landy pulled up and began to disgorge blokes and fuel cans. My suspicion is that the cops were near the end of their shift and really didn't fancy the paperwork that I represented. They developed a sudden interest in some kids hanging out by the car wash over the road. We fuelled up and b*ggered off double quick. I'd probably still be in French nick now if they had decided to have a proper look. And what if they hadn't moved the Clio when I carried on reversing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 You'd probably still be banged up in a French nick - but there would have been two less French coppers nicking UK motorists!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARTIN CROSS Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 Hi When I bought the DUKW we met a police car in the services who 'wouldn't let us go' until they had a guided tour!Thereafter we leapfrogged each other most of the way down the M4 and waved as we passed them on the hard shoulder and they then re-overtook us. When I was taking my 101 Gulf War ambulance for pre-registration MOT, so with no tax or registration plates I passed a beat bobby who simply saluted me. As one officer said to me, 'you guys spend a lot of time and money on these vehicles so they are usually well looked after'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 This picture I have tittled "I've just been spotted". This was at Middle Wallop 1993. I had to explain myself as it is difficult for the military mind to appreciate that although it was an Air Display I have not the slightest interest in aircraft. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/fv1620/78KJ15.jpg[/img] I had a similar encounter at a RN Air Station where I was ejected at gun point for wandering only slightly off course to photo something... a Bedford runway sweeper. The view was that it was an Air Show & aircraft was what I should be taking photos of & nothing else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambo1969 Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 I was heading into liverpool street station in london to pick up my girlfriend in my lightwieght when a copper directed me to pull over. I'm thinking what have I done and he says "iv'e got one of these and am having problems with the brakes", 45 minutes later we are still talking when I remembered my girlfriend waiting at the station, she was not happy!. I have alway's found the police to be very polite whenever I have been stopped, wether driving a MV or car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardrosser Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 surly it has a lot to do with the person being stopped, me i work late into the night driving round London and some times the airports and have been stopped at the end of MP5's. always been polite to said officer's and not cocky or rude, after all they are only doing their job - one i wouldn't like to do - and politeness goes a long way IMO :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 23, 2007 Author Share Posted January 23, 2007 Exactly, P's and Q's cost nothing it does not hurt to use them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardrosser Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 slightly of track - my local Co-Op :-o the staff (who are older enough to know better) need a leason on P & Q's, never say please, thank you and always chatting to their "mate" whilst serving you i don't go in there often :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlienFTM Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 1. I served as a military policeman for 88 days' reckonable service until I told them where to shove their truncheons, obtained discharge as a statutory right and re-enlisted in the cavalry. (RMP didn't like people transferring to "lesser" branches.) 2. As a young cavalryman in Tidworth I was easily led and once agreed (against my better judgement cos it was an illegal journey: no work ticket signed by an officer) to collect the squadron p!ssheads from the British Legion in downtown Tidworth after a liquid lunch. We were spotted and followed through Tidworth by a Military Police Cortina (IIRC) and I panicked cos I wasn't wearing my seatbelt (in contravention of Standing Orders: not that anybody ever wore a seatbelt in an Army vehicle). I was flagged down, wetting myself in case the RMP wanted to see the workticket, but I just get a telling off, told to wear my seatbelt and be on my way. 3. Some years later, as a hardened lean mean killing machine, I dated the Paymaster's nanny. (The Paymaster and I went on to race offshore for the Army: he told me he needed a nice young man to show her round Paderborn and I told him that if I found one, I'd send him round. His nanny and I have now been married 25 years.) One evening I returned her to the Paymaster's quarter and parked up the bright loud yellow Capri with BFG plates in right in front while we said our goodbyes. An RMP patrol pulled up behind us and I got the third degree. Why were a Lance Corporal and his girlfriend lurking outside an officer's quarter? Come to think of it, this was shortly after a senior officer has been assassinated by an IRA group up the road in Bielefeld and the alert state was high. It wasn't uncommon for the IRA to use "courting couples" for recces cos they drew less attention then men in hats, sunglasses and trenchcoats. Satisfied, they continued on their way. As they passed, I couldn't help but notice that the Cortina (IIRC) has a tail light bulb out. Of course, it might have blown during the course of the patrol, but they had halted and we cavalry would have carried out a Halt Parade on our vehicles whilst stopped. I drove the few hundred metres back to camp and promptly used the Guardroom phone to pass on to their boss that they might want to check their lights again at their next Halt Parade. Of course it never occurred to me it might drop them in the doodoo. ;o) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 slightly of track - my local Co-Op :-o the staff (who are older enough to know better) need a leason on P & Q's, never say please, thank you and always chatting to their "mate" whilst serving you i don't go in there often :dunno: ALL the Tesco, Asda, Co-op etc places are like that around here - with the added bonus that you can't understand a word they are saying!!!! :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Hayward Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 In 1979 I went on the D-Day 35th Anniversary tour of Normandy with the MVT and I was very surprised at the relaxed attitude of the French Police as they stopped local traffic when ever they saw us to let the MVs through. I was also surprised that they let Peter Gray in his M10 Tank Destroyer, with me and a half a dozen others in the turret, drive on a public road down to the beaches for a service of remembrance. The tracks marked the road a little but did not rip it up so I suppose the French Police thought what the hell, no harm done, let them get on with it. But I don't think the British Police would have allowed it in the UK even in 1979. On return to the UK I was riding in the front of Richard Beddall's M3 halftrack, when we were stopped by an unmarked Police car. Perhaps they were wondering why the person (me) sitting on the 'normal drivers side' of the vehicle had both hands on the door top and never seemed to look where he was going - not realising it was LHD! The reason they gave Richard for being stopped was that one of the front side lights was a little dim but I think they were just curious, as there were far less preserved MVs on the road at that time. The Police were very polite though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted January 25, 2007 Share Posted January 25, 2007 Having spent some time in the blue suit. One of the more memorable quotes from my colleagues went something like "why did you nick him then ?" " oh he was talking when he should have been listening" :-) thank you and goodnight centurion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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