Police to prosecute motorists who photographed crash

if they have video (probably video) of the drivers taking pics while in control of the car then that could be it.. it says moterists not passengers... so would presume driver took pic wiht probably mobile phone while doing 2 miles an hr
 
There's a difference between the press and passing motorists taking photo's surely?
 
Then the law's an ass :)
 
I differentiate between a member of the press taking photo's, video's etc, and reporting news, to a member of the public doing the same so they can share it on facebook.

Maybe you don't
 
Surely he means the press stood there with their long lenses taking shots. Compared to Tom in his subaru driving passed taking shots with his iPhone





Edit: Or maybe he didn't
 
I can't imagine they will be prosecuted for 'taking photos'. It'll be a driving offence.

Another example of the shoddy journalism we have to put up with in this country.
 
Swissy said:
I differentiate between a member of the press taking photo's, video's etc, and reporting news, to a member of the public doing the same so they can share it on facebook.

Maybe you don't
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If neither party can take a picture safely, without endangering the wellbeing of others, then there's no 'get out of jail free' card just because one of them happens to work for the press. It's ridiculous to suggest otherwise in my opinion - a 'press pass' is not akin to 007's licence to kill.
 
Swissy said:
I differentiate between a member of the press taking photo's, video's etc, and reporting news, to a member of the public doing the same so they can share it on facebook.

Maybe you don't
Click to expand...

Whether your a journalist, a pizza delivery guy or mum on the school run it makes not one bit of difference, the law applies equally
 
Whoa people, i've posted my opinion, if you all have believe differently then that's fine, but i'm still entitled to that opinion.
 
I just Googled this and it looks as though Kipax is right, they have footage of drivers using their mobiles to take snaps. I do hope that they are approaching this from a public safety angle though rather than because they have decided it's morally wrong for people to take photos of a crash.

I came across this Mirror article from 2014 and in my opinion it contains a couple of troubling quotes. Take this one:

I am amazed that people think there is nothing wrong with using their mobile phones to take pictures while driving, and secondly that they think it is in any way appropriate or respectful to the victims of that collision.
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The first bit is fair enough but the second bit (in bold) is not for the police to decide.

Met Police guidelines make this clear.

Members of the media have a duty to report on incidents and do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places.

Police have no power or moral responsibility to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel. lt is a matter for journalists and their editors to control what is published or broadcast, not the police.
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Many amateur or “citizen journalists” now carry out a legitimate news gathering role and are unlikely to have special identification. Such news gatherers have the same rights and freedoms as the professional media.
Click to expand...
 
All a press pass can do is prove who you are.. its the best photo id there is because its backed up by a password on a police database... other than that the same rules apply to everyone for taking photos... I am pretty sure this will ba a driving offence.. you can imagine the other side of the rd cars slowly going past and taking pics... if that person was pubic, press or even the policeman.. all could be prosecuted
 
If a member of the public or the press is caught taking pictures whilst in control of a moving vehicle, then I'd expect both to be prosecuted.
It's maybe more likely that a press photographer could be a passenger in a car driven by a colleague and would be able to take pictures safely.
 
ITV Headline
Motorists to be prosecuted for taking photos of A14 teddy bear lorry crash

Cambridge News headline
A14 Histon lorry crash: 15 drivers to be prosecuted for taking pictures while driving
 
Well, the police can say what they like, but they can't prosecute anyone. That's not their job.
If the Crown Prosecution Service decide to, then that's different. But I doubt they will. It would be a great deal of expense for sod-all result
 
viv1969 said:
Well, the police can say what they like, but they can't prosecute anyone. That's not their job.
If the Crown Prosecution Service decide to, then that's different. But I doubt they will. It would be a great deal of expense for sod-all result
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Wouldn't it be a fixed penalty?
 
you should be drinking beer at the wheel instead. Provided you are not over the limit, you are not committing an offence
 
kennethwfd said:
you should be drinking beer at the wheel instead. Provided you are not over the limit, you are not committing an offence
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Maybe I'll fill up an empty bottle of vodka with water and wave it when driving past :) In most other countries that would get you lock up.
 
kennethwfd said:
you should be drinking beer at the wheel instead. Provided you are not over the limit, you are not committing an offence
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yes you are - not in propper control of a motor vehicle ... someone drinking coffee on the M25 was done for that recently (plus driving without due care and attention)
 
Someone stopped at traffic lights who decided to take a bite out of a mars bar got done as well
 
big soft moose said:
yes you are - not in propper control of a motor vehicle ... someone drinking coffee on the M25 was done for that recently (plus driving without due care and attention)
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I'd imagine there must have been issues such as swerving or driving erratically - i normally have water to drink from a standard cycling bottle on a long journey but not been stopped for drinking water in the 30+ years I have been driving.
 
boliston said:
I'd imagine there must have been issues such as swerving or driving erratically - i normally have water to drink from a standard cycling bottle on a long journey but not been stopped for drinking water in the 30+ years I have been driving.
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You just haven't been spotted yet. :(
 
if you don't have both hands on the wheel (with the exception of changing gear or applying the hand brake) you can be done for 'not in proper control' - if you are holding anything in you arc of vision you can also be done for without due care and attention.

of course many get away with it but that doesnt mean its not illegal - many get away with speeding or using a phone while driving...
 
Drinking...eating...farting about with satnavs etc....none are offences in and of themselves.
Yes, the police can stop you and try to make a case for dwdca, but as that's a charge that has to be brought through the CPS, they'd be unlikely to succeed without evidence that the way you were driving was a danger to others.
 
Phew. I drink tea from a travel cup/mug on the way to work every morning. Saves me having to try and shotgun it before leaving the house.
 
kennethwfd said:
you should be drinking beer at the wheel instead. Provided you are not over the limit, you are not committing an offence
Click to expand...
It's an offence to eat or drink at the wheel as you are not in full control of the car. People have been prosecuted for doing so, even when sat at traffic lights.
 
nilagin said:
It's an offence to eat or drink at the wheel as you are not in full control of the car. People have been prosecuted for doing so, even when sat at traffic lights.
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No it isn't an offense in itself.
Post 36.

The only successful prosecutions have been for DWDCA, when the offender was driving like a knob, and the police were able to present evidence to that effect to the CPS.
 
There's no excuse for a need to eat or drink whilst driving. As much a menace as those that continue to use their phones.
 
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