To report/not report to the police because of political party?

[Sephiroth]

Got knocked down by a car today, very luckily the driver was edging out looking the other way while I was furiously applying my bike breaks in wet weather. The first the guy knew about it was probably my swearing blue murder at him.

He pulled over while I was on the floor, apologised saying it was entirely his fault - which IMO it most definitely was, but had the good grace to make a decent apology, make sure I was ok and offered to pay for any damage to my bike . I was already of a mind to forgive and forget, had a banged up knee and a little shakey but no broken bones and didn't feel he was being reckless it was an accident after all.

Then someone called up his name and I realised I knew him, he is an elected member of my local government.

Of course the moment has passed but I lay the case before mumsnet -which party did he belong to, and what are the ethics for reporting this to the police?

ah, fair enough. I take it back then I really thought you were obliged to report incidents like that.

hecate I'm a bit washy about that to, I mean truly what would be the point of reporting and then not pressing charges?

I don't think they're planning on spending vast amounts in improving road safety in the upcoming years and to be honest this guy is probably far better positioned to do anything about it than I would

I don't think this is necessarily the case here, as it does seem like it was an accident and he was apologetic - but I do think there are definitely cases where who someone is makes a difference as to how you treat the incident, especially when the person concerned is a politician. It's important the public knows if those making policies have done something which has a bearing on those policies - particularly if it makes them a hypocrite.

In this case, it depends how at fault you think he is. If you think he was being reckless, perhaps he's not the best person to be deciding on the best road safety measures in your neighbourhood?

Its hard enough to get anyone to stand as a councillor these days anyway; who wants to be stuck in dull meetings 'till midnight after working an 8 hour day job? If people go round reporting them for their every human mistake who will want to stand then?

Thanks for that MrsWifty, I think in this case perhaps the experience may be helpful,!

Earthdog - every human mistake, of course don't report. Something serious which has a bearing on their ability to make responsible judgements, yes. For instance, I wouldn't want someone with drink-related assault convictions put in charge of licensing.

If it was Brian Coleman report the fucker.

You recognised this councillor's name, OP?