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Original poster

Can reversing slowing into a lamppost equal careless driving?

41 replies

raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 19:43

I've name changed to ask this on behalf of a friend (honest, not me!)

Does anyone know the answer to the question? The circumstance was one of no damage to the lamppost and just a scratch to the bumper of the car.
My friend was advised to plead guilty and did so. (There was also a charge of failing to report the incident to which she also pleaded guilty).

OP posts:
Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 19:47

I meant reversing slowly, not slowing.

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ThingummyBob · 30/05/2013 19:52

She went to court for bumping a lamp post? Shock

Failing to report what to whom?

If no damage was caused was she meant to call the police and say "I've had an accident but no one was involved or hurt and there is no damage to report"

I'd imagine they'd laugh...

CajaDeLaMemoria · 30/05/2013 19:56

You are obligated to alert the police if you damage street equipment.

It could be construed as careless driving, but it's unlikely.

I presume the council/police disagree that no damage was caused?

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 19:56

I kid you not. Someone saw her and reported her. She ended up in the dock.
Apparently, it was failure to notify the police that she'd hit the post even though there was no damage. An accident is an accident, apparently......

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Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 19:57

Memoria No mention has been made of an insurance claim for the post. It really wasn't damaged.

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Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 19:58

Her solicitor advised her to plead guilty to the failure to notify and the careless driving.

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Floralnomad · 30/05/2013 19:59

TBH it is pretty careless to hit a lamppost ,it's not like they're that small .

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:00

But was it worth a court case? Must we report ourselves to the police every time we tap a bollard? Apparently so.

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CajaDeLaMemoria · 30/05/2013 20:01

They won't charge her for fixing it (most of the time, some councils vary) but she should have reported it.

What has her solicitor said that she is facing? Does she already have points on her license/is she a new driver?

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:01

And of course it's careless. But would it fall within the definition of careless driving?

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Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:02

Memoria No, as I said the case is over now. She's pleaded guilty, got 5 or 6 points and a fine / costs of about £250.

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Floralnomad · 30/05/2013 20:03

If she had reported it herself I doubt she would have been charged with anything .

Smartieaddict · 30/05/2013 20:05

There must be more to it surely? If there was no damage there is no need to report it, so no case to answer.

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:05

So the careless driving was added as an after thought? Surely not? The whole thing seems so amazing to me.

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Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:06

Smartie That seems to be the point. Even with no damage, it should have been reported.

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Smartieaddict · 30/05/2013 20:08

Is that in the UK? That is not how it usually works. Even if there was damage, if there is no injuries to anyone it doesn't need to be reported to the police, she would have just needed to contact whoever is responsible for the lamp post and given them her details. It sounds very odd!

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 30/05/2013 20:08

I guess it could be argued that she was driving without due care and attention but if no damage was done it seems a bit over enthusiastic to take her to court.

SunnyRandall · 30/05/2013 20:09

What!? That's just shocking.

I have recently been in a collision with an actual car with an actual person in it, minor injuries and two cars written off but after police statements etc they have decided to take no further action.

What a massive over reaction.

Sorry totally unhelpful post but I am Shock at this.

HandMini · 30/05/2013 20:10

You can't know whether or not the lamp post is damaged. If it cracked and fell on someone's head a week later, the local council would get sued. I believe there's a small sign on lamp posts requiring you to report damage / hitting ( same on bridges).

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:11

Yes, it's in England. I can't believe she was actually in the dock over this, but she was. And advised to plead guilty, something she decided to do as she couldn't afford to contest it. Not sure why. Legal fees or court costs. Or both. I'm not certain.

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SunnyRandall · 30/05/2013 20:11

And yes the police told me at the time that they don't get involved unless anyone is injured.

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:13

Handmini That's interesting. I'll mention that to her. However, the point remains, was it careless driving? I've been looking at the definitions but nothing would fit this.

Sunny That's what amazes me. People crash all the time and insurance companies get involved. If no injury, they don't all end up in court.

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Oblomov · 30/05/2013 20:17

This sound so ridiculous. Is it just Ott pc'ness? Is the council short of a buck? One can't imagine any other reason for this silliness.

Original poster
raisedeyebrows · 30/05/2013 20:19

Does the fine go to the Council?

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SunnyRandall · 30/05/2013 20:20

It would not cross my mind to report an incident like this. Not unless the bollard or whatever was totally destroyed or knocked over.

Very odd.