Knocked a car - driver drove off before details could be left

Yorkie1

You cannot report it over the phone. You must report it as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 24 hours, at a police station.

The whole point of the legislation is that people don't delay for as long as possible or until more convenient - some people (NB I'm making no accusations here) think they can wait for the 24 hours so that any alcohol in their system has worn off... the starting punishment for this offence, if convicted, is more serious than an entry level drink driving offence by way of deterrence for those who think like that.

spookalili

Yorkie1 wrote: »

You cannot report it over the phone. You must report it as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 24 hours, at a police station.

The whole point of the legislation is that people don't delay for as long as possible or until more convenient - some people (NB I'm making no accusations here) think they can wait for the 24 hours so that any alcohol in their system has worn off... the starting punishment for this offence, if convicted, is more serious than an entry level drink driving offence by way of deterrence for those who think like that.

I completely understand, although I had not thought about this before! I did call 101 as before I read this thread, I didn't know it was a requirement to contact the police and it was too late for me to attend once I had realised - the lady I spoke to was very helpful. She took my details (full name, contact number, car reg, etc) and advised me to go to the station tomorrow with my driving licence, MOT docs, etc. She also gave me an incident number so they can match the details up. I will go there as soon as it opens. She said it wouldn't be an issue with going in the morning as it was quite late now and generally it isn't an issue as long as it is reported within 24hrs.

Feeling much better now - I just hope they get in touch so we can get it sorted!

Spicy_McHaggis

Yorkie1 wrote: »

You cannot report it over the phone. You must report it as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 24 hours, at a police station.

The whole point of the legislation is that people don't delay for as long as possible or until more convenient - some people (NB I'm making no accusations here) think they can wait for the 24 hours so that any alcohol in their system has worn off... the starting punishment for this offence, if convicted, is more serious than an entry level drink driving offence by way of deterrence for those who think like that.

The starting penalty points is higher however fail to stop is a discretionary ban while excess alcohol is obligatory. Maximum fines both five grand.

forgotmyname

Many years ago I had a driver hit my car whilst parked up, As i spotted the scratch the builders next door said they got the guys number.

I reported it to teh police and they didnt want to know at first, Said i had broken the law by not reporting it. I said how can i report something i knew nothing about.

Eventually they took a statement and i received a letter through the post, He had been fined several hundred pounds and had points on his licence for failing to stop.

They sent me details of his insurance also.

straighttalker

If it puts your mind at rest, inform the Police. Give them full disclosure of all that happened. Then you are beyond reproach. I doubt the aggrieved party will ever be in contact either directly or through the Police.

spookalili

So I turned up to the local police station this morning with every bit of identification I could think of; driving licence, insurance documents, MOT, log book, etc. I spoke to a lady at the front desk who looked very puzzled, spoke to her colleague and advised me I didn't have to do anything if I couldn't see any damage.

I explained that I couldn't be certain there was no damage as even thought it was a very, very low speed bump, it was dark and raining at the time. She said that as I had let them know it had happened over the telephone and appeared at my local station, I had nothing to worry about and in most cases, they never hear anything anyway.

I felt like it was all a bit of a waste of time to be honest - she was a lovely person and made me feel a lot more relaxed but she didn't ask to look at any of my documents or even take my policy number.

Still, at least they know I have approached them now, should there be any damage and the vehicle owner gets in touch.

arcon5

Did they log it?

spookalili

arcon5 wrote: »

Did they log it?

They took down the incident number which was given to me when I called 101 and all my other details and wrote it in a notebook. I tried my best to get them to take everything else but they didn't seem bothered.

cootuk

A lot of police and front desk staff don't know the law.
You did right insisting they log it, but officially should also inform your insurance company incase a claim is lodged.
That will most probably put up your premiums for the next few years.