7 May 2011

Defective Car on Northbourne Ave

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Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (If you’re the police, who will police the police?)

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Punter said :

Aus road rules – Division 2 ‘Stop Signals’ – rule # 54 – ‘Giving a Stop Signal’ reads:

(1) The driver of a vehicle must give a stop signal by means of the vehicle’s brake lights.

(2) However, if the vehicle’s brake lights are not in working order or are not clearly visible, or the vehicle is not fitted with brake lights, the driver must give the stop signal by giving a hand signal in accordance with rule 55, or using a mechanical signalling device fitted to the vehicle.

The photo clearly shows the vehicle giving a stop signal by way of its braking lights, albeit one is not working. Still a clear signal is given. I suspect a few uninformed recipients of speeding infringements or similar are sore about that and feel urged to bleat about any insignificant and unfounded drama which can be aimed toward Police. As for this thread, I don’t see the issue with the vehicle in this photo, but OP seems to have failed to research the issue.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/motorists-slugged-for-defects/story-e6frea6u-1226058563490

VEHICLE owners hit with defect notices will have to pay new on-the-spot fines, expected to rake in millions for the State Government.

The new fines – $120 for a minor defect and $250 for a major defect – will apply from July 1.

Minor defects include bald tyres, faulty brake lights and broken windscreen wipers, while major defects include faulty brakes, illegal modifications and faulty suspension. Defect notices do not currently incur a fine, although a vehicle owner must pay $26 to have the notice removed after repairs are made.

The Motor Trade Association’s SA president, Colin Clark, said a blown light bulb was an example of a fault which would incur a $120 fine and a defect sticker.

I think the defect sticker would fit quite nicely below the “NO BELT NO BRAINS” sticker, don’t you? For maximum obstruction of the rear view mirror?

Captain RAAF said :

And, if you are unable to change a globe in your car, please also report to ACT roads as soon as practicable and hand your licence in. Thank you.

The ability to change light bulbs isn’t a requirement to hold a licence, however it must be comforting for a car owner to know who to go to when they don’t have the knowledge.

screaming banshee said :

Replacing a flouro tube isn’t hard either but how many people do you think replace it themselves in their workplace, I’m sure you’ll find most large workplaces have a procedure and someone to call when a flouro needs changing.

Comparing the replacement of a blown bulb in a vehicle with workplace procedures for flouro tube replacement is quite a wide link to make. While ACT Policing is a large workplace, it is reasonable to expect there may not be a procedure to follow in this instance. I wonder if most large workplaces may have a procedure for blown bulb replacement in their vehicle fleet? Perhaps common sense applies.

screaming banshee8:30 pm 10 May 11

Punter said :

Replacing a blown bulb isn’t a hard job in most vehicles, it certainly doesn’t require an specialist.

Replacing a flouro tube isn’t hard either but how many people do you think replace it themselves in their workplace, I’m sure you’ll find most large workplaces have a procedure and someone to call when a flouro needs changing.

An independent commission against corruption should sort this whole problem out.

Captain RAAF said :

And, if you are unable to change a globe in your car, please also report to ACT roads as soon as practicable and hand your licence in. Thank you.

Until they start requiring that sort of thing during your Ls practice, people aren’t going to bother learning it…

Captain RAAF3:17 pm 10 May 11

Punter said :

dvaey said :

Can any police here confirm if theyre personally allowed to make small changes like that to a vehicle, like replacing a blown globe or other non-specialised jobs on the vehicles they drive, or does it have to be done through the right channels?

Replacing a blown bulb isn’t a hard job in most vehicles, it certainly doesn’t require an specialist. If you’re not comfortable with it, most automotive shops (Supercheap and the like) will help you change a bulb if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. You might have to buy one from them though.

And, if you are unable to change a globe in your car, please also report to ACT roads as soon as practicable and hand your licence in. Thank you.

dvaey said :

Can any police here confirm if theyre personally allowed to make small changes like that to a vehicle, like replacing a blown globe or other non-specialised jobs on the vehicles they drive, or does it have to be done through the right channels?

Replacing a blown bulb isn’t a hard job in most vehicles, it certainly doesn’t require an specialist. If you’re not comfortable with it, most automotive shops (Supercheap and the like) will help you change a bulb if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. You might have to buy one from them though.

Aus road rules – Division 2 ‘Stop Signals’ – rule # 54 – ‘Giving a Stop Signal’ reads:

(1) The driver of a vehicle must give a stop signal by means of the vehicle’s brake lights.

(2) However, if the vehicle’s brake lights are not in working order or are not clearly visible, or the vehicle is not fitted with brake lights, the driver must give the stop signal by giving a hand signal in accordance with rule 55, or using a mechanical signalling device fitted to the vehicle.

The photo clearly shows the vehicle giving a stop signal by way of its braking lights, albeit one is not working. Still a clear signal is given. I suspect a few uninformed recipients of speeding infringements or similar are sore about that and feel urged to bleat about any insignificant and unfounded drama which can be aimed toward Police. As for this thread, I don’t see the issue with the vehicle in this photo, but OP seems to have failed to research the issue.

scorpio63 said :

Btw, with two or three sets of constables or detectives using vehicles over a 24 hour period, I am sure that out of 6 adults, one should be able to observe a blown tail light.

Maybe they did see it, but not being authorised theyre probably unable to personally fix it and have to have it fixed through the appropriate service department. They then possibly made a decision that its not worth taking a vehicle off the road just because of one blown tail light (much how those they pull over would be thinking) and it can wait until it can be seen to by someone authorised by the AFP to replace the light globe in the vehicle.

Can any police here confirm if theyre personally allowed to make small changes like that to a vehicle, like replacing a blown globe or other non-specialised jobs on the vehicles they drive, or does it have to be done through the right channels?

Just reported it to Crime Stoppers.

scorpio63 said :

Police do have exemption from the road rules under rule 305 and a particular exemption for mobile phone use.

Spideydog and Keen Golfer – I am fully aware of their regulations working for them at times.

I oppose the legislation, more so, given the AFP’s nature of work.

Read my content, I did not dispute what is fact within legislation, I am disputing that government vehicle lights and indicators should be functioning on the road while in use.

Btw, with two or three sets of constables or detectives using vehicles over a 24 hour period, I am sure that out of 6 adults, one should be able to observe a blown tail light. I have seen blown headlights on both buses regularly and AFP vehicles which is the reason I bothered to put my 50 cents worth in on this topic.

As for appreciating AFP staff efforts, Keen Golfer, I liaise with staff regularly and related to a few, which is irrelevant to the topic.

I am pretty sure that not one AFP officer would agree that rule 305 would used in the instance of a blown light on a vehicle …… what’s your point. I still made reference earlier that this particular vehicle’s light may have stopped working after being checked, or was on the way for repair or may even be an intermittent problem. You have made certain assumptions to make a generalised point. Tar and Feather them I say ………

scorpio63 said :

I oppose the legislation, more so, given the AFP’s nature of work.

When it comes to rule 305, why do you oppose it? “Nature of AFP’s work?? (except with vehicle lighting that I am sure everyone wouldn’t disagree with)

scorpio63 said :

Btw, with two or three sets of constables or detectives using vehicles over a 24 hour period, I am sure that out of 6 adults, one should be able to observe a blown tail light. I have seen blown headlights on both buses regularly and AFP vehicles which is the reason I bothered to put my 50 cents worth in on this topic.

Ok, i see where you’re coming from. Let’s say the blown light was noticed. It wouldn’t get fixed straight away. It would have to go to Ford to be fixed. It would continue to be driven until then because there’s not a huge spare fleet of vehicles and most cars are in use most of the time. The vehicle wouldn’t be taken off the road to wait for repair unless there was a more substantial issue with the vehicle – taking the vehicle for repair/servicing has to fit around operational requirements.

Police do have exemption from the road rules under rule 305 and a particular exemption for mobile phone use.

Spideydog and Keen Golfer – I am fully aware of their regulations working for them at times.

I oppose the legislation, more so, given the AFP’s nature of work.

Read my content, I did not dispute what is fact within legislation, I am disputing that government vehicle lights and indicators should be functioning on the road while in use.

Btw, with two or three sets of constables or detectives using vehicles over a 24 hour period, I am sure that out of 6 adults, one should be able to observe a blown tail light. I have seen blown headlights on both buses regularly and AFP vehicles which is the reason I bothered to put my 50 cents worth in on this topic.

As for appreciating AFP staff efforts, Keen Golfer, I liaise with staff regularly and related to a few, which is irrelevant to the topic.

dvaey said :

KeenGolfer said :

facet, are you one of those anti-police types that will make any attempt, no matter how trivial, to belittle the police? Seriously, over a taillight?

I got defected over a missing headlight, in the middle of the day. Its not a matter of belittling the police its a matter of holding them to the same basic standards that they expect from citizens.

CanberraGirl19 said :

How exactly can they be expected to know if no one tells them?

Do you think the same law should apply to us citizens too? Do you think if you get pulled over by vehicle inspectors you can simply say ‘thank you for telling me my vehicle is defective, Ill fix that straight away when I get home’? Why should the police not be held to account? If youve got a blown brake light, you should have to go through a full roadworthy like every other driver in the territory has to.

You have WAY to many supposed interactions with Police which I would suggest is that you either frequently do the wrong thing, or the police don’t like you and enjoy harassing you ……. I would suggest the first scenario. Here’s an idea, if you see a defective Police car …… REPORT IT and stop bleating and sooking on RIOT-Act about double standards.

But from I have seen from your frequent posts on Policing stories, they seem never to be able to please you as you, as always seem to find a negative spin. Live a little bro, you may enjoy life more !!!!

georgesgenitals6:38 pm 08 May 11

GottaLoveCanberra said :

jayskette said :

I hear that undercover police in other states use actual defective sports cars and hang around the hoon areas… lots of arrests… why isn’t there such a campaign in the ACT!

Because the modified car scene in Canberra is pretty much non existant?

The people here that are involved in organised stupidity are typically outfits like rushhour, who go far enough out of town that it’s not necessarily worth busting up meets on a regular basis.

GottaLoveCanberra5:33 pm 08 May 11

jayskette said :

I hear that undercover police in other states use actual defective sports cars and hang around the hoon areas… lots of arrests… why isn’t there such a campaign in the ACT!

Because the modified car scene in Canberra is pretty much non existant?

georgesgenitals said :

We need a nice floral teacup to host this hurricane, I reckon…

😉

scorpio63 said :

Further, vehicles should be quickly looked at prior to an officer’s shift to ensure lights and indicators are functioning. Particularly so, given the line of work.

Most diligent police officers should be checking vehicles before and during shifts. Failure in doing so, should result in consequences.

Checking vehicle’s before shift all well and good, but during shift officers doing more checks of their lights to make sure they are still working correctly……. Bah hahahahahahaha – Seriously !!!!!

How do we know that this single brake light that was out, hadn’t occurred after the vehicle checks had been done at the beginning of the shift ??? How do we know or not whether this vehicle was on it’s way for repair ??? ASSumption’s being made much here …… If people are really that concerned about a single light out, instead of going on a sook fest online, how about bringing it to the attention of ACT Police so they may offer an explanation or their sincerest apologies that will hopefully be to your satisfaction.

Police do have exemption from the road rules under rule 305 and a particular exemption for mobile phone use. In the spirit of the legislation I would suggest that “broken lights” is not what was intended by rule 305 as it needs to be Reasonable the exemption apply and Reasonable care is taken at the time. In regards to mobile phone use by emergency services, yes I do agree that they shouldn’t be used (even with the specific exemption) unless in situations where it is absolutely necessary (emergency) and urgent.

facet said :

Need a little legal help here folks. If I have a picture of someone committing an offense and I do not publish, am I withholding evidence?

Misprision of felony: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misprision_of_felony

georgesgenitals2:39 pm 08 May 11

We need a nice floral teacup to host this hurricane, I reckon…

scorpio63 said :

The police should not ever be exempt from holding a mobile phone talking whilst driving or in the vehicle. A mobile holder in use fine – holding a mobile phone while driving and working – no.

Legislation exists for all road users, no exceptions for police vehicles or buses – regardless of being government/taxpayer owned.

Sorry to burst your bubble but police are exempt from many road rules, whether you like it or not. It’s a necessary part of their job and if you can’t understand that then next time you need the police in an emergency – when you call 000 ask the operator to get the police car to drive to your location at the speed limit without breaking any road rules.

facet, if you’re suggesting you have a picture of the police commiting a road related offence I suggest you check the Australian Road Rules. Police are exempt from a number of road rules including talking on mobiles whislt driving, parking etc etc as long as they are taking reasonable care in the circumstances.

KeenGolfer said :

Hmm. Accidentally submitted before I finished my post.

As long as they are taking reasonable care in the circumstances.

Sigh. The first part of my post was lost.

facet, are you one of those anti-police types that will make any attempt, no matter how trivial, to belittle the police? Seriously, over a taillight?

facet, if you’re suggesting you have a picture of the police commiting a road related offence I suggest you check the Australian Road Rules. Police are exempt from a number of road rules including talking on mobiles whislt driving, parking etc etc as long as they are taking reasonable care in the circumstances.

The police should not ever be exempt from holding a mobile phone talking whilst driving or in the vehicle. A mobile holder in use fine – holding a mobile phone while driving and working – no.

Further, vehicles should be quickly looked at prior to an officer’s shift to ensure lights and indicators are functioning. Particularly so, given the line of work.

Most diligent police officers should be checking vehicles before and during shifts. Failure in doing so, should result in consequences.

Legislation exists for all road users, no exceptions for police vehicles or buses – regardless of being government/taxpayer owned.

Safety for all road users is paramount.

KeenGolfer said :

facet, are you one of those anti-police types that will make any attempt, no matter how trivial, to belittle the police? Seriously, over a taillight?

I got defected over a missing headlight, in the middle of the day. Its not a matter of belittling the police its a matter of holding them to the same basic standards that they expect from citizens.

CanberraGirl19 said :

How exactly can they be expected to know if no one tells them?

Do you think the same law should apply to us citizens too? Do you think if you get pulled over by vehicle inspectors you can simply say ‘thank you for telling me my vehicle is defective, Ill fix that straight away when I get home’? Why should the police not be held to account? If youve got a blown brake light, you should have to go through a full roadworthy like every other driver in the territory has to.

Out the front of the magistrates court on Wednesday, there was a police car that had a fancy numberplate surround trim piece. Looked nice, except that it covered the last letter of the registration number. Ive been personally fined about $80 once for my vehicle being in exactly this state.. and its not a blown globe, its a piece of plastic that has been screwed into the car directly covering the rego number.

A couple of years ago Id pulled off the road on Erindale Drive to take a mobile phone call. While on the phone, a police car pulled up on the grass behind me and came upto the car. Upon seeing I was on the phone he indicated for me to wind the window down and talk to him, I pointed out I was on the phone and he said ‘hang up’. I put the phone in my lap and he began asking why I was pulled over on the side of the road (apparently it wasnt obvious). He took my licence and went back to his car. I picked up the phone, finished my phone call and hung up. Upon getting back to my car he handed me back my licence and explained that I wasnt allowed to pull over on that road. My passenger had noticed that of the 3 red/blue flashing lights on the roof of his car only 2 on one side were working. We politely advised him of that fact, and were told ‘dont worry about that, worry more about your own vehicle’, before jumping in his car and driving off.

Sammy said :

It’s a Ford. ‘Nuff said. My neighbour, who drives a Falcon, seems to be forever changing the bulbs in that car. I’m yet to change any bulbs in my six-year-old vehicle.

Im fairly sure that modern falcons have an indication on the dashboard when a globe is blown, do their cars not have it or are they simply blind?

In answer to the original question, who polices the police? Riot-ACT users and Images of Canberra.

CanberraGirl199:29 am 08 May 11

How exactly can they be expected to know if no one tells them? If you’re that worried about it, how about you follow them to where ever they’re going next time, and tell them their brake light is out.

KeenGolfer said :

Hmm. Accidentally submitted before I finished my post.

As long as they are taking reasonable care in the circumstances.

Sigh. The first part of my post was lost.

facet, are you one of those anti-police types that will make any attempt, no matter how trivial, to belittle the police? Seriously, over a taillight?

facet, if you’re suggesting you have a picture of the police commiting a road related offence I suggest you check the Australian Road Rules. Police are exempt from a number of road rules including talking on mobiles whislt driving, parking etc etc as long as they are taking reasonable care in the circumstances.

I hear that undercover police in other states use actual defective sports cars and hang around the hoon areas… lots of arrests… why isn’t there such a campaign in the ACT!

Good pic. Looks like a nice day for trolling, eh facet?

On a serious note, they should be sacked immediately. Oh, and that sticker on the rear window looks crooked to me, and his wheel is on the line, and the decals look faded. SACK THEM!!!

southernyassfella7:03 pm 07 May 11

You didn’t take that photo on a phone did you, or were you the passenger?

Hmm. Accidentally submitted before I finished my post.

As long as they are taking reasonable care in the circumstances.

southernyassfella6:59 pm 07 May 11

You didn’t take that photo on a phone did you?

facet said :

Need a little legal help here folks. If I have a picture of someone committing an offense and I do not publish, am I withholding evidence?

Do you have anything serious to say, or just being a tool? If you do, just come out with it already ………

Need a little legal help here folks. If I have a picture of someone committing an offense and I do not publish, am I withholding evidence?

hhhmmmm, no one!

If you’re the police, who will police the police?

Coast guard?

Rawhide Kid Part35:33 pm 07 May 11

It’ll probably be picked up at the next service. Otherwise I don’t see a problem. “The other two are working” I told the random vehicle inspector and got a defect notice….. cha-ching !!

facet said :

Seat belts?

Did you check them?

Seat belts?

It’s a Ford. ‘Nuff said. My neighbour, who drives a Falcon, seems to be forever changing the bulbs in that car. I’m yet to change any bulbs in my six-year-old vehicle.

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