insecure petrol cap

lozzer

Hi,
Just left tesco garage and pulled over because my petrol cap was not fixed back properly.
Got a fixed penalty £30!
..and a beathaliser test which was fine as I do not drink.
My real complaint was that I was pulled over by a busy roundabout, foggy, dark conditions and I mentioned to the policeman, (after ticket) that I was uncomfortable and felt insecure and that my wife and children were at risk in the car.
He thought different although he moved me out of the mud onto a pavement.
This £30 will make a difference...should I go to court .
Anyone any advice other than to fix my cap
lozzer

Tight_Git_3

Yes it is an offence.
Being a motorbike rider who has a number of near misses with spilt fuel on the roads, I can see why he stopped you.
Admittedly it's usually diesel from lorries, but the fuel spills out on corners leaving a very slippy, invisible hazzard so I can see the copper's point in stopping you at the earliest safe point.
Obviously I can't comment on if it was safe or not as I wasn't there.

I think a warning would have been sufficient, but if the OP failed the 'attitude test', or the copper had targets to meet then you were stuffed.

If you go to court, it will cost you double at least and you will lose as there's no legal defence.

Sorry.

Lorian

albertross wrote:

what was the offence?
I thought the traffic police where there to help and protect the public, not dish out stupid fines for nothing.

My guess is they saw it discharging fuel, as TG said, diesel spill are a nightmare on the road, especially for two-wheeled road users this time of year.

I am suprised he got a ticket though. Being contrite is the best way to avoid one.

lozzer

Hi,
Had just pulled into a slow moving queue after leaver the garage. Contrite & polite...but will pay.
Only thought I had is I have a one way valve on the filler.
thanks guys

northern_munky

Lozzer, what sort of petrol cap are we talking here? Is it a flap with a locking cap underneath it or just a locking cap, in what way was it not fixed back properly?

lozzer

Hi,
The cap screws on to the tank and then is behind a flap.
It's better just talking about it now although was upset yesterday.
I could not help but smile when the policeman said:
I do not expect you to be happy with this but I'm with the armed response unit at Tadcaster and it's my job to keep the roads safe this Christmas"

Guess I am pleased I did not have a walking stick.

cheers and merry christmas

lozzer

northern_munky

lozzer wrote:

The cap screws on to the tank and then is behind a flap.
I

Can't see what you have been booked for to be honest, if the cap was screwed on properly then fuel could not escape. If the flap was 'flapping' about though, maybe they thought it could injure someone if you hit them. Very, very petty if you ask me though, these sorts of stories do nothing for Police relations, no wonder they are so unpopular.