Special thanks from Wiltshire Constabulary!!
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How about the authorities audit the base commanders tax return to ensure he is setting a good example for "his people".
Anyone have any figures on what violent crimes were called in during the "base blitz" and what the response times were????
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Don't see what all the fuss is about! if your not over the limit or speeding whats the problem?
They target the armed forces because they are a likely target, nearly every section at this time of the year is having a beer call, every mess is having some function, many of these bases are in the country so buses and taxis are hard to use, it's a fact that generally, military personnel like a drink and to unwind, especially at xmas, to ensure that the roads are safe from drink drivers this is as good a place to start as any.
I for one would kill anyone that harmed me or my kids whilst they were over the limit in a car, and therefore have no problem with the police checking or even targeting a likely area.
You are naieve if you don't think the RAF has a drinking culture about it and at at this time of the year it could be only to tempting for someone to jump into their car and drive home, I see it all the time in the local paper " Seviceman Cpl blah blah or sac blah was was fined and banned from driving after being caught boozing".
Get over it.
They target the armed forces because they are a likely target, nearly every section at this time of the year is having a beer call, every mess is having some function, many of these bases are in the country so buses and taxis are hard to use, it's a fact that generally, military personnel like a drink and to unwind, especially at xmas, to ensure that the roads are safe from drink drivers this is as good a place to start as any.
I for one would kill anyone that harmed me or my kids whilst they were over the limit in a car, and therefore have no problem with the police checking or even targeting a likely area.
You are naieve if you don't think the RAF has a drinking culture about it and at at this time of the year it could be only to tempting for someone to jump into their car and drive home, I see it all the time in the local paper " Seviceman Cpl blah blah or sac blah was was fined and banned from driving after being caught boozing".
Get over it.
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Yes and how about you target building sites where workers drink after work. How about XYZ Pty Ltd's work function. If you think the military is worse than the rest of society then something is definately different with British society (which I doubt). If speeding isn't a problem for you then surely you'd have no problem with a police officer following you 24/7 whilst driving, ready to pull you over if you go 1 km/h over the limit.
The argument I've scene here isn't that military people are angels, it's that it's a waste of resources to directly target them. That is a fact. Are you saying military people are common criminals who deserved to be targetted??
I'm guessing you've recently been through rehab. I hope the Elgin "bill" start following you around so that when you lose miss one of those limit signs they'll nab you.
The argument I've scene here isn't that military people are angels, it's that it's a waste of resources to directly target them. That is a fact. Are you saying military people are common criminals who deserved to be targetted??
I'm guessing you've recently been through rehab. I hope the Elgin "bill" start following you around so that when you lose miss one of those limit signs they'll nab you.
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pass a, have been caught speeding a few times and have cursed like mad the coppers who have caught me, but at the end of the day if you speed then you takes your chance and if you booze and drive then tough **** for anything you get.
Am not saying that military are crims but simply saying that at this time of year where you have upwards of two thousand people entering and leaving one place often after xmas party's then it's a good bet a few will be drink driving, fact! if they are not then they have a small inconvenience for a few minutes whilst they prove their innocence.
Building sites? what they hang around drinking outside at this time of the year, in the cold and wet! I thought they went to the local boozer, where there is often a row of taxis and the odd bust stop outside!
If the coppers don't catch anyone then they have reinforced the message to nearly two thousand people that they are out there watching.
I would wager that if there was a factory social club with a few hundred blokes finishing for xmas inside then they too would get a bit of extra attention, it's called being proactive.
Am not saying that military are crims but simply saying that at this time of year where you have upwards of two thousand people entering and leaving one place often after xmas party's then it's a good bet a few will be drink driving, fact! if they are not then they have a small inconvenience for a few minutes whilst they prove their innocence.
Building sites? what they hang around drinking outside at this time of the year, in the cold and wet! I thought they went to the local boozer, where there is often a row of taxis and the odd bust stop outside!
If the coppers don't catch anyone then they have reinforced the message to nearly two thousand people that they are out there watching.
I would wager that if there was a factory social club with a few hundred blokes finishing for xmas inside then they too would get a bit of extra attention, it's called being proactive.
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Whilst I fully agree with the sentiments of 'if you've done nothing wrong then you've nothing to fear,' I can't picture any other large Wiltshire based companies allowing such practises. Imagaine the phone call:
"Good Morning. Is that Wiltshire Constabulary? Ah, good, Honda UK here. Its our final working week before Xmas, lot's of staff parties etc. Would you like to set up camp at our entrance gates and pull our staff over?"
The unions would be all over it like a fat kid on a doughnut.
"Good Morning. Is that Wiltshire Constabulary? Ah, good, Honda UK here. Its our final working week before Xmas, lot's of staff parties etc. Would you like to set up camp at our entrance gates and pull our staff over?"
The unions would be all over it like a fat kid on a doughnut.
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My friend in the U.S has an earned Purple Heart bumper sticker on his truck which seems to help him if he is ever a few miles over the limit with the cops.
They also have real people sat in patrol cars with guns every few miles which also seems to regulate traffic.
Whereas in the U.K the police have quotas to meet in terms of traffic offences - also if you caught drink driving and happen to be from a country for which the local plods have no interpreters you will often be told to park the car and come back when sober.
They also have real people sat in patrol cars with guns every few miles which also seems to regulate traffic.
Whereas in the U.K the police have quotas to meet in terms of traffic offences - also if you caught drink driving and happen to be from a country for which the local plods have no interpreters you will often be told to park the car and come back when sober.
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The guilty always complain. Always!
During my couple of decades service I saw at first hand the heavy drinking culture at RAF stations in UK and overseas. It was disgraceful, once witnessed bars open 24/7 for 4 whole days one Xmas about 2 hours flying time south of Blighty. Sheer madness!
Seen many, many, commissioned and non-commissioned servicemen/women getting prosecuted for drink driving. And also causing death by drink-driving.
Senior officers have much to be ashamed about in sanctioning the drink culture. A few of them have also been prosecuted.
With knowledge of this culture it is prudent of the local police to blitz military camps at appropriate times and take appropriate measures against offenders. Only then, will the right message get out to perpetrators, and hopefully many others will take heed and never ever follow suit like some of their quite stupid fellow servicemen.
Regretably, some armed forces people will be going to jail in the coming years, for the offences discussed here. Some people are beyond educating, they have a bad attitude towards their fellow countrymen, who they could'nt care a hoot about when they have the misfortune to have a close encounter with after drinking but before going driving.
Are YOU one of those who is going to jail?
During my couple of decades service I saw at first hand the heavy drinking culture at RAF stations in UK and overseas. It was disgraceful, once witnessed bars open 24/7 for 4 whole days one Xmas about 2 hours flying time south of Blighty. Sheer madness!
Seen many, many, commissioned and non-commissioned servicemen/women getting prosecuted for drink driving. And also causing death by drink-driving.
Senior officers have much to be ashamed about in sanctioning the drink culture. A few of them have also been prosecuted.
With knowledge of this culture it is prudent of the local police to blitz military camps at appropriate times and take appropriate measures against offenders. Only then, will the right message get out to perpetrators, and hopefully many others will take heed and never ever follow suit like some of their quite stupid fellow servicemen.
Regretably, some armed forces people will be going to jail in the coming years, for the offences discussed here. Some people are beyond educating, they have a bad attitude towards their fellow countrymen, who they could'nt care a hoot about when they have the misfortune to have a close encounter with after drinking but before going driving.
Are YOU one of those who is going to jail?
Thought police antagonist
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QFF,
And yay, the Divine one has spoken and answered your prayers it seems --in part at least
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6207313.stm
That said, I always felt my contribution to various gliding club bars was a "significant gesture towards inward investment which also resulted in a capital return"-----which means I enjoyed meself !
And yay, the Divine one has spoken and answered your prayers it seems --in part at least
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6207313.stm
That said, I always felt my contribution to various gliding club bars was a "significant gesture towards inward investment which also resulted in a capital return"-----which means I enjoyed meself !
Police having quotas is not true.....we were allowed to write as many Summons as we wanted.
ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING!
When dealing with the Plod...courtesy and cooperation go a very long way to saving your bacon. If you have done something that is going to get you nicked, maybe not.
But if it is something the Plod has some discretion in.....off you go laddy and be a good boy from now on.
Show some "attitude" and as with the wife....it will not go well.
ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING!
When dealing with the Plod...courtesy and cooperation go a very long way to saving your bacon. If you have done something that is going to get you nicked, maybe not.
But if it is something the Plod has some discretion in.....off you go laddy and be a good boy from now on.
Show some "attitude" and as with the wife....it will not go well.
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Never let the truth get in the way of a good story eh!! You moan when journos do it.
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Park it up!
Riley Dove
If you have any proof about your comments please let us see them. Otherwise stop talking b----cks.
To all our service personnel you have my thanks for the great job you do wherever you are. However, you cannot use it as a reason for not being 'targetted' as you imply. If stopchecks were done outside a hospital, doctors and nurses would be up in arms with justification would they? Or outside a fire station/firemen? As previous posters have stated if you don't speed or drink or drive whats the problem? If you do then accept the consequences.
If you have any proof about your comments please let us see them. Otherwise stop talking b----cks.
To all our service personnel you have my thanks for the great job you do wherever you are. However, you cannot use it as a reason for not being 'targetted' as you imply. If stopchecks were done outside a hospital, doctors and nurses would be up in arms with justification would they? Or outside a fire station/firemen? As previous posters have stated if you don't speed or drink or drive whats the problem? If you do then accept the consequences.
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MLC - Since when have I moaned about journalists? I think your confusing me with someone else! As for quotas - information from a serving police officer who used to be a member of the armed forces.
The armed forces have two major wars to fight - do they also need to be alienated on home soil?
The armed forces have two major wars to fight - do they also need to be alienated on home soil?
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Sorry... after nearly 30yrs in the regular and reserve forces I didn't realise that serving in the armed forces gave you immunity from prosecution, or that combat medals rendered you above the law...
Sorry guys, if you break the speed limit (and yes I've been there done it, got the points) then you are breaking the law and so deserve what coming.
Sorry guys, if you break the speed limit (and yes I've been there done it, got the points) then you are breaking the law and so deserve what coming.
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Double 6,
Like so many others, you have completely missed the point here.
People in the forces are, quite rightly, angered at being targetted by the police, because they are regarded by them as a 'soft, easy target'
As you say, the same would and should happen if you targetted others such as doctors, nurses, firemen blah (although I don't ever recall seeing or hearing of any of them being targetted. infact, perhaps you can enlighten us all as to any other group or body of people that are regularly targetted?
The fact is (and it is a sad fact) the police know full well that with servicemen, the fines will get paid, there will be no 'hassle' from them, and the plods will go away 'fat, dumb & happy' with their stats up-to-date.
The question that really needs asking is this: why do the police target the easy option? why NOT target the local gypsy site? Maybe you have the answers and can tell us? If not, then to quote you 'stop talking b----cks'
Kind regards
TSM
Like so many others, you have completely missed the point here.
People in the forces are, quite rightly, angered at being targetted by the police, because they are regarded by them as a 'soft, easy target'
As you say, the same would and should happen if you targetted others such as doctors, nurses, firemen blah (although I don't ever recall seeing or hearing of any of them being targetted. infact, perhaps you can enlighten us all as to any other group or body of people that are regularly targetted?
The fact is (and it is a sad fact) the police know full well that with servicemen, the fines will get paid, there will be no 'hassle' from them, and the plods will go away 'fat, dumb & happy' with their stats up-to-date.
The question that really needs asking is this: why do the police target the easy option? why NOT target the local gypsy site? Maybe you have the answers and can tell us? If not, then to quote you 'stop talking b----cks'
Kind regards
TSM
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Swinging Monkey - A direct quote from a policeman when asked why they were not moving some travellers on a few years ago ' they all have a mobile phone to call their lawyer and know the law better than we do'
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TSM.
I assume from your posting that as you say serviceman are 'regularly targetted' that this kind of roadblock is not isolated and goes on regularly outside airbases? Or is it just that you know lots of service personnel who have been done? If it's the latter how would the cops know who was driving before they stopped them. As for knowing you would pay your fines so would the majority of the population. As for targetting the local gypsy site, yes I for one would like to see the good for nothing
workshy individuals made to pay their way in society, but unfortunately can't answer for the actions of the Wiltshire Police as to why they are not targetted.
I assume from your posting that as you say serviceman are 'regularly targetted' that this kind of roadblock is not isolated and goes on regularly outside airbases? Or is it just that you know lots of service personnel who have been done? If it's the latter how would the cops know who was driving before they stopped them. As for knowing you would pay your fines so would the majority of the population. As for targetting the local gypsy site, yes I for one would like to see the good for nothing
workshy individuals made to pay their way in society, but unfortunately can't answer for the actions of the Wiltshire Police as to why they are not targetted.
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Wiltshire Plod and the Safety Camera Partnership aka 'Cash Machine in a Van' not overly interested in Lyneham??? Ok then...
Same county, same force area different towns....
Town 'A' (Population recorded in the 2001 Census: 3,983) is on a main road that circumvents Swindon, it has a school, located just off the main road through the town. Kids are either collected by bus and delivered to the school or walk along the main road (narrow pavements) crossing where they either dare or at the single attended crossing point (lollypop person) There are no other crossing points, no traffic lights, no zebra crossings etce. For a pedestrian this is a dangerous section of road.
Most mornings I pass a lot of kids walking to school either on their own or with parents most of whom have toddlers in buggy's all however having to risk the walk alongside a narrow, busy, fast main road each morning, one that carries all types of traffic from farm vehicles, cars, m/cycles up to bus'es and HGV's. This road would without doubt benefit from a 20mph speed limit, rather than the often ignored 30mph limit.
The main road is busy at all times of the day, being a popular 'rat run' especially so during rush hour, it is very restrictive (narrow) in the town centre, and often has traffic that is either speeding or at best driving without due care & attention in the main part of the town. And then you have the school buses....
Town 'B' (Population recorded in the 2001 Census: 5,822) again on a main road, this time a well lit 2 lane well appointed 'A' road. Again the town has a school, however this school is off the main road with the entrance on a fairly quiet (in comparisom) 'B' road. Noticeably though the school is located on the same side of the main road as most of the housing (less people need to cross the road).
The main road is also busy most of the day with steady traffic, however this road/town does have the advantage of a traffic light controlled crossing point. Again the road carries all types of traffic from farm vehicles, cars, m/cycles up to bus'es and HGV's.
I have to admit, while I do pass pedestrians headed towards the school, the numbers are nowhere near that of Town 'A'.
Now you would think both towns deserve the equal attention of 'Plod' re possible traffic offences? And that of the Speed Camera Van to either detect or deter speeding. In fact I would have thought Town 'A' would get far more attention than Town 'B'....
Not so.... I go through both towns on the way to work and back home daily and in over 2 years I have NEVER seen either a Traffic Patrol or Speed Camera Van while going through Town 'A'... Town 'B' on the other hand, often.
So what’s the difference? Why does Lyneham benifit from the attention when Puton seemingly doesent? Well, as a starter Purton doesn’t have a Military Base.... However, Lyneham on the other hand.... DOES!
(Population figures dont include RAF Drawdown in Personnel Numbers post 2001 or New Build Housing in Purton since 2001)
Same county, same force area different towns....
Town 'A' (Population recorded in the 2001 Census: 3,983) is on a main road that circumvents Swindon, it has a school, located just off the main road through the town. Kids are either collected by bus and delivered to the school or walk along the main road (narrow pavements) crossing where they either dare or at the single attended crossing point (lollypop person) There are no other crossing points, no traffic lights, no zebra crossings etce. For a pedestrian this is a dangerous section of road.
Most mornings I pass a lot of kids walking to school either on their own or with parents most of whom have toddlers in buggy's all however having to risk the walk alongside a narrow, busy, fast main road each morning, one that carries all types of traffic from farm vehicles, cars, m/cycles up to bus'es and HGV's. This road would without doubt benefit from a 20mph speed limit, rather than the often ignored 30mph limit.
The main road is busy at all times of the day, being a popular 'rat run' especially so during rush hour, it is very restrictive (narrow) in the town centre, and often has traffic that is either speeding or at best driving without due care & attention in the main part of the town. And then you have the school buses....
Town 'B' (Population recorded in the 2001 Census: 5,822) again on a main road, this time a well lit 2 lane well appointed 'A' road. Again the town has a school, however this school is off the main road with the entrance on a fairly quiet (in comparisom) 'B' road. Noticeably though the school is located on the same side of the main road as most of the housing (less people need to cross the road).
The main road is also busy most of the day with steady traffic, however this road/town does have the advantage of a traffic light controlled crossing point. Again the road carries all types of traffic from farm vehicles, cars, m/cycles up to bus'es and HGV's.
I have to admit, while I do pass pedestrians headed towards the school, the numbers are nowhere near that of Town 'A'.
Now you would think both towns deserve the equal attention of 'Plod' re possible traffic offences? And that of the Speed Camera Van to either detect or deter speeding. In fact I would have thought Town 'A' would get far more attention than Town 'B'....
Not so.... I go through both towns on the way to work and back home daily and in over 2 years I have NEVER seen either a Traffic Patrol or Speed Camera Van while going through Town 'A'... Town 'B' on the other hand, often.
So what’s the difference? Why does Lyneham benifit from the attention when Puton seemingly doesent? Well, as a starter Purton doesn’t have a Military Base.... However, Lyneham on the other hand.... DOES!
(Population figures dont include RAF Drawdown in Personnel Numbers post 2001 or New Build Housing in Purton since 2001)
Last edited by Always a Sapper; 28th Dec 2006 at 12:48.
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The question that really needs asking is this: why do the police target the easy option? why NOT target the local gypsy site?
For all the pro's posting here - please, PLEASE give the patronising and totally transparent 'Road Safety' mantra a rest. We all KNOW it has f**k-all to do with safety - point in case: The CivPork regularly set up speed traps just outside the main gate here - 200 yds AFTER a major accident blackspot. When I enquired of said Porcines why they were not, in fact, pointing their cash-generator the OTHER way, so as to catch / deter drivers (large lorries, in particular) who ignore the 30 sign at the Calne-side entrance to the village and continue to thunder past the camp entrance at 50 or so, straight towards the aforementioned accident blackspot (hence giving it it's name), the glib response was "We nick more people facing this way 'cos they can't see us behind the hedge 'till it's too late!" Furthermore, when the 'Talivan' makes an appearance in the village, it too is INVARIABLY pointing TOWARDS the blackspot, targetting drivers who have already passed it! So DON'T spout your 'road safety' crap here.
The guilty always complain. Always!
During my couple of decades service I saw at first hand the heavy drinking culture at RAF stations in UK and overseas. It was disgraceful, once witnessed bars open 24/7 for 4 whole days one Xmas about 2 hours flying time south of Blighty. Sheer madness!
Seen many, many, commissioned and non-commissioned servicemen/women getting prosecuted for drink driving. And also causing death by drink-driving.
Senior officers have much to be ashamed about in sanctioning the drink culture. A few of them have also been prosecuted.
With knowledge of this culture it is prudent of the local police to blitz military camps at appropriate times and take appropriate measures against offenders. Only then, will the right message get out to perpetrators, and hopefully many others will take heed and never ever follow suit like some of their quite stupid fellow servicemen.
Regretably, some armed forces people will be going to jail in the coming years, for the offences discussed here. Some people are beyond educating, they have a bad attitude towards their fellow countrymen, who they could'nt care a hoot about when they have the misfortune to have a close encounter with after drinking but before going driving.
Are YOU one of those who is going to jail?
During my couple of decades service I saw at first hand the heavy drinking culture at RAF stations in UK and overseas. It was disgraceful, once witnessed bars open 24/7 for 4 whole days one Xmas about 2 hours flying time south of Blighty. Sheer madness!
Seen many, many, commissioned and non-commissioned servicemen/women getting prosecuted for drink driving. And also causing death by drink-driving.
Senior officers have much to be ashamed about in sanctioning the drink culture. A few of them have also been prosecuted.
With knowledge of this culture it is prudent of the local police to blitz military camps at appropriate times and take appropriate measures against offenders. Only then, will the right message get out to perpetrators, and hopefully many others will take heed and never ever follow suit like some of their quite stupid fellow servicemen.
Regretably, some armed forces people will be going to jail in the coming years, for the offences discussed here. Some people are beyond educating, they have a bad attitude towards their fellow countrymen, who they could'nt care a hoot about when they have the misfortune to have a close encounter with after drinking but before going driving.
Are YOU one of those who is going to jail?
Just one last thing...30 tickets and 60 cautions issued? An AWFUL LOT of people must have been stopped to rack up that amount of profit....sorry, offences detected. And how many caught drink-driving? What, NONE? I guess we in the RAF DON'T have this huge drink-driving problem some seem to think we have after all...