Charging the police?

Question

Is it possible to charge the police when you send letters to them?

Let's say for example that you've been charged for speeding, and they give you a week to hand in your licence and pay £60, can you give them a letter dmeanding to see their calibration and validation data for their equipment along with the training records of the police officer who used it, as well as charging them for the letter?

You see, banks charge for sending out letters, and in turn it's legal for you to do so to, if I remember correctly. Therefore it should be possible to charge the police, no?

Just to clarify, I'm not thinking of doing it, just asking a hypothetical question. Some of the answers are a little judgemental.

And there has been scientific proof that the sorts of speed guns that they use have been known to clock stationary objects at over 50mph. It is impossible to garuantee vibration protection/stabilisation. They don't use those devices. There is no way they can prove that the wind didn't rock their van so as to give an erronous reading.

But some have enlightened me. In short, you can't charge the police, but you can make their life a bit of a pain by giving them extra paperwork everytime they fine you.

Answer 1

you could try it, but then again don't be suprised if you get pulled over every day after you try it. especially when your on your way to work

Answer 2

You can ask, but it is not legally enforceable. The charges banks give aren't actually legally enforceable either, but as you use their services, if you don't pay the charges they can withdraw their services (ie ask for all the money you owe them, all at once - they DO have a legal right to do that).

The money the police charge you is different - this is legally enforceable, it is a fine because you have broken the law and must be punished. I got caught speeding once, paid the fine with no quibbles or arguments, put it down to experience, and now try not to speed, and then got on with my life. I'd suggest anyone caught speeding does the same. It might seem bad to be fined for breaking the law, but it would be far worse if you caused injury or death to someone - including yourself.

Answer 3

What I suggest is asking the police officer at the roadside if they are suitable trained to use a speed or indeed wear a police uniform, then you can make a load of money as a result of sueing the police on the grounds that they gave you a proper good kicking for being a smarta**e c***

Answer 4

The reason why banks can charge is that there is a prior contract established between you and the bank. You have no prior contract between you and the police. You are entitled to ask for calibration and validation data etc.

Answer 5

It's definitely possible. In fact, I once heard of a guy whose solicitor hired out a speed gun for a day in court, pointed it at the judge and said 'Hmm, that's funny. According to this you're doing 7mph'! Needless to say, his case was thrown out the window. My advice, try it, but it certainly won't be easy!

Answer 6

i doubt that you can charge for the letter maybe it could be done via a solicitor but you would have to prove that all validation certs etc were out of date a hell of a task do complete

Answer 7

I think you're right you know. And apparently if you go the Tower of London and demand to wear the crown they have to let you and if you go to 10 Downing Street and demand a hand shandy from Cherie, she has to give you one........

Answer 8

The radar guns are checked on a regular basis by the state to avoid mistakes. Your wasting your time.

Answer 9

Try it, it should be funny to see. Hope you have some vacation time tho you might need it.

Answer 10

Pay your fine and move on with your life. Pathetic.