Just as an after thought -
Do forum members realise that even having Battenburg markings on a non-emergency vehicle is ilegal?
I sympathise with you scammellmark - but the law is very clear on what is allowed and what is not allowed.
I'm dumb-founded when I see ex-military vehicles with Military Police signs / blue beacons being driven on a public road - it's asking for trouble.
I used to blood run too and looked into the possibility of obtaining a bike with reflective markings and emergency equipment to advertise the service. Good PR.
Unfortunately I was advised by a good friend of mine that this would be breaking the law - and it boils down to the fact the motorcycle could not be classed as an official emergency vehicle as it would be registered in my name and not the name of the charity.
It really is a bag of bolts when you have a vehicle that impersonates an emergency vehicle.
I know people do it (Military Police, fire engines, MP bikes, etc), and it's not for me to tell people what to do - but if people are going to do it - then expect to be pulled and have the Police get the hump.
Oh by the way scammellmark - I fully appreciate you had taken all the precautions you felt were appropriate and it would appear you have encountered some over - zealous Police Officers so I'm not having a dig at you - just the clowns who totally ignore the law, take the p--s, and ruin it for the people who do try to play the game.
Markheliops