What happened to the police-car-terror thread?

[CinnabarRed]

I was only offline for a few hours. What happened?

[Cocoflower]

I saw a post about having to remove it for legal reasons from op due to court case about incident?

But not sure for certain....

[Cocoflower]

Personally I think it a shame it is pulled. Because if that thread alerted just one woman to rethink about pulling over for unmarked police cars then it was a very worthy thread.

[griphook]

gosh didn't see that thread but what happened

[ZXEightyMum]

Totally agree Cornflower. I'm a learner driver and that situation had never even occurred to me.

Wish I could remember what the link was discussing the safety aspect.

[ZXEightyMum]

Cocoflower, sorry.

[Cocoflower]

Was this the link ZxEightymum? www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q587.htm ?

[ZXEightyMum]

Yes! Thank you:

The following is advice for anyone who feels vulnerable were she (or he) to stop. In many cases there may be several of you in the vehicle or you are confident you can deal with the situation, in which case this advice may not be for you.

An unmarked police car can stop vehicles, but it must contain a constable who MUST be in uniform in order to carry out the stop.

If a car flashing for you to pull over or stop is unmarked, unless you are 100% certain it is the police, do not stop. Drive steadily to the nearest public place (for example a petrol station where they are open till late, a police station or somewhere there are a lot of people) and then stop. If you are in a relatively deserted area, as a last resort, consider looking for a house that is obviously occupied and pull into the driveway. (You can always apologise to the householder afterwards.)

Try and signal that you have acknowledged the request to stop and indicate the action you are taking (put your flashers on or signal by pointing from the driver's window etc.). Don't drive off at great speed making the police think you are trying to get away.

Keep the doors locked until you are happy it is the police. Have your mobile at hand just in case. You can ask to see a warrant card, which should carry a name and photograph, through the closed window.

Incidentally, if you are suspected of drink/drugs driving none of these actions would invalidate an officer giving you a preliminary screening test as you have only temporarily interrupted your journey and are still driving for the purposes of that law.