What should we say at meets?
08 June 2001, 10:15 PM
#1
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Hi
I've been on two meets now but I'm still a little unsure what to say when someone asks what we are doing!
For example, on Dales run 2 a line of scoobs and me in the fiesta passed the police scoob, what should we say if we get stopped. Also when we stopped in the pub at the end of the run someone came out and asked who we were with, everyone looked at each other, felt uneasy and then told the guy.
My point is are there any legal issues attached to meets, can the organiser get into trouble and ultimately the website and SDB?
Bob, probably worried about nothing!
I've been on two meets now but I'm still a little unsure what to say when someone asks what we are doing!
For example, on Dales run 2 a line of scoobs and me in the fiesta passed the police scoob, what should we say if we get stopped. Also when we stopped in the pub at the end of the run someone came out and asked who we were with, everyone looked at each other, felt uneasy and then told the guy.
My point is are there any legal issues attached to meets, can the organiser get into trouble and ultimately the website and SDB?
Bob, probably worried about nothing!
08 June 2001, 10:23 PM
#3
Asuming you have your false plates on of course 
:
"Entshuligen, Ich komme aus Deutschland, Ich kann nicht gut Englisch sprechen." (good for sppeding offences too!
)
Mick (Schumacher )
:"Entshuligen, Ich komme aus Deutschland, Ich kann nicht gut Englisch sprechen." (good for sppeding offences too!
)Mick (Schumacher
)
08 June 2001, 10:51 PM
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Bob,
When I contacted Greater Manchester Police prior to NM4, I was told as long as the vehicles are not going to cause delays for other road users by travelling too slowly (like you do), and we didn't want a Police escort, then there wouldn't be a problem.
The officer I spoke to seemed reasonably sure about the facts but asked me to contact an Inspector in Forward Planning just to be certain.
I phoned the inspector concerned and left my name address and home telephone number on his answer phone, and got no reply.
So I just did the run.
I had been led to believe that there may be a maximum number of cars you can legally travel in convoy with, but perhaps on the M25 and moist of the other UK motorways, everyone has dispensation from that rule
.
Seriously though it would be unlikely any charge could be brought as long as everyone was obeying the road traffic act, and if not the individual would ultimately be responsible for his/her actions.
On NM5 the Police Inspector in the BMW X5 at Birch Services had no problem whatsoever with our 'small' group.
But was curious as to what it was all about, and similarily the officer I spoke to at the finish point was enquiring what it was in aid of.
When he pointed out that there had been complaints of people speeding, I replied 'I'm sorry officer but I cannot control what each driver does, I have told them all to take it easy'.
He then went on to say that his car could do 140mph but that didn't mean he had to drive at that speed, and could we all take it a bit easy.
His attitude was very relaxed and friendly, to the point he asked if he would have been able to attend in his own (not Subaru) car.
I told him but of course.
The old favourite 'you'll never take me alive copper' as you rocket past at 160mph is always bound to raise a smile with those watching. But probably not the Policeman.
Cheers MTR
When I contacted Greater Manchester Police prior to NM4, I was told as long as the vehicles are not going to cause delays for other road users by travelling too slowly (like you do), and we didn't want a Police escort, then there wouldn't be a problem.
The officer I spoke to seemed reasonably sure about the facts but asked me to contact an Inspector in Forward Planning just to be certain.
I phoned the inspector concerned and left my name address and home telephone number on his answer phone, and got no reply.
So I just did the run.
I had been led to believe that there may be a maximum number of cars you can legally travel in convoy with, but perhaps on the M25 and moist of the other UK motorways, everyone has dispensation from that rule
.Seriously though it would be unlikely any charge could be brought as long as everyone was obeying the road traffic act, and if not the individual would ultimately be responsible for his/her actions.
On NM5 the Police Inspector in the BMW X5 at Birch Services had no problem whatsoever with our 'small' group.
But was curious as to what it was all about, and similarily the officer I spoke to at the finish point was enquiring what it was in aid of.
When he pointed out that there had been complaints of people speeding, I replied 'I'm sorry officer but I cannot control what each driver does, I have told them all to take it easy'.
He then went on to say that his car could do 140mph but that didn't mean he had to drive at that speed, and could we all take it a bit easy.
His attitude was very relaxed and friendly, to the point he asked if he would have been able to attend in his own (not Subaru) car.
I told him but of course.
The old favourite 'you'll never take me alive copper' as you rocket past at 160mph is always bound to raise a smile with those watching. But probably not the Policeman.
Cheers MTR
08 June 2001, 10:54 PM
#5
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Just bull****....
Mellow said to the barman we were with the skoda rapide group
As PTMW said we aren't doing anything wrong
no speeding or anything, and if you got stopped in the fester with a line of scoobies you can say your not with them 
Sorry to correct you BT but you've been on 3 runs-York,NM5,DR2 
See ya soon...
CRAFT
Mellow said to the barman we were with the skoda rapide group
As PTMW said we aren't doing anything wrong
no speeding or anything, and if you got stopped in the fester with a line of scoobies you can say your not with them Sorry to correct you BT but you've been on 3 runs-York,NM5,DR2 See ya soon...
CRAFT
08 June 2001, 10:55 PM
#6
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Bob,
the Police may just "happen upon" a meet, or get a phone call from a "concerned local". Either way, Scooby meets tend to be very civilised affairs, with nothing to worry about. However, it is always wise to be economical with what is happening, just so that you don't put your foot in it. Be honest, but don't start handing them route maps - after all, you have not broken any laws.
If you have done something silly (like getting lasered for speeding), then it is your problem - try not to involve everyone else.
As for pubs etc. - be open about who you (we) are. They should appreciate our custom. Even nosey locals should know what we are about, after all, we are sensible grown-ups and it is a free country (well, until today that is
)! I must admit that i was NOT impressed by the Nont Sarah's policy of coning off three-quarters of their car park at NM5. maybe they will feel uneasy next time when 70 cars DO NOT buy a Sunday lunch!
mb
the Police may just "happen upon" a meet, or get a phone call from a "concerned local". Either way, Scooby meets tend to be very civilised affairs, with nothing to worry about. However, it is always wise to be economical with what is happening, just so that you don't put your foot in it. Be honest, but don't start handing them route maps - after all, you have not broken any laws.
If you have done something silly (like getting lasered for speeding), then it is your problem - try not to involve everyone else.
As for pubs etc. - be open about who you (we) are. They should appreciate our custom. Even nosey locals should know what we are about, after all, we are sensible grown-ups and it is a free country (well, until today that is
)! I must admit that i was NOT impressed by the Nont Sarah's policy of coning off three-quarters of their car park at NM5. maybe they will feel uneasy next time when 70 cars DO NOT buy a Sunday lunch!mb
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08 June 2001, 11:02 PM
#8
"I've been stuck in this convoy of slow moving traffic for 10 miles and despite flashing my lights wildly they would neither speed up or allow room for my Fiesta to safely overtake"
09 June 2001, 08:51 AM
#9
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This is a serious subject and one that I feel strongly about.
You may recall the accident after the Porsche meet, where two members were "giving it some" on the way home and ended up killing an innocent fellow road user.
The big problem with things like this is that the situation easily gets out of hand. I know of 6 Imprezas that have been written off in the past year, all driving in convoys, to or from meets. Luckily, no one has been killed.
The problem arises when a group is lead by someone that knows a road. He will probably drive briskly. The one or even two caras behind follow his lines and braking points. The driver 5 cars back has no chance of seeing these and is driving well beyond his abilities and what is safe to keep up. As the lead cars get further and further away, he drives even faster. Its just waiting to happen.
To reduce the risk, when the SIDC have been to Catalunya, we split everyone up into groups of 3 or (max)4. We also have vhf radio contact between all cars in the group and every driver has a responsibility to make sure the car behind is able to follow him safely. The same happens on my visits to the Network Q rally.
I am gravely concerned when I read of a large group of cars screeming across some of our finer roads, on their way to or from a meet.
The accident on the way to Bedford was a classic example. I will not name the driver, but basically he went into a bend, trying to catch up a bit, realised he had too much speed, braked, lost the back end and put the back of his 5 door into an Astra that was coming the other way. Both cars were written off and it was a miracle that no one was seriously injured.
As a rule, The SIDC do not allow ANY convoy type driving at its meets. This is to protect the club and its event organisers from prosecution, when one of these accidents does result in a fatality.
You may recall the accident after the Porsche meet, where two members were "giving it some" on the way home and ended up killing an innocent fellow road user.
The big problem with things like this is that the situation easily gets out of hand. I know of 6 Imprezas that have been written off in the past year, all driving in convoys, to or from meets. Luckily, no one has been killed.
The problem arises when a group is lead by someone that knows a road. He will probably drive briskly. The one or even two caras behind follow his lines and braking points. The driver 5 cars back has no chance of seeing these and is driving well beyond his abilities and what is safe to keep up. As the lead cars get further and further away, he drives even faster. Its just waiting to happen.
To reduce the risk, when the SIDC have been to Catalunya, we split everyone up into groups of 3 or (max)4. We also have vhf radio contact between all cars in the group and every driver has a responsibility to make sure the car behind is able to follow him safely. The same happens on my visits to the Network Q rally.
I am gravely concerned when I read of a large group of cars screeming across some of our finer roads, on their way to or from a meet.
The accident on the way to Bedford was a classic example. I will not name the driver, but basically he went into a bend, trying to catch up a bit, realised he had too much speed, braked, lost the back end and put the back of his 5 door into an Astra that was coming the other way. Both cars were written off and it was a miracle that no one was seriously injured.
As a rule, The SIDC do not allow ANY convoy type driving at its meets. This is to protect the club and its event organisers from prosecution, when one of these accidents does result in a fatality.
09 June 2001, 09:06 AM
#10
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Convoy driving is not really a problem. Its the leader of a convoy who has the responsibility to keep the convoy in order. I was at a cruise in stockport and we finally caught up with the back of the convoy on a motorway. I was in contact with the convoy leader so my m8 in the passenger seat called him up. He said to come to the front of the convoy so he could have a word. I then spent the next 3 MILES overtaking a line of tricked up hot hatches and supercars all traveling at 65mph in the inside lane. No one was speeding, everone was being sensible. I commented about this to the convoy leader when we got to the cruise and he said something along the lines of " if the leader is sensible then everyone else has to be. They dont know the location, you do. if they go flyin past me they will never find it, will they?"
Seems straight forward to me....
astraboy.
Seems straight forward to me....
astraboy.
09 June 2001, 10:47 AM
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I'm with Pete on this one
As for the pub bit it varies. Original Fleet meet venue, George and Lobster loves Scoobs and is proud to have us there - ultimate Fleet meet venue barred us because they were to$$ers.
Trout
As for the pub bit it varies. Original Fleet meet venue, George and Lobster loves Scoobs and is proud to have us there - ultimate Fleet meet venue barred us because they were to$$ers.
Trout
09 June 2001, 10:54 AM
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Pete,
I'm a little confused by your post (and not just being a funny bugger for the sake of it).
You mention the legendary SIDC Catalunya runs where you have 4 or 5 cars as a group, but then say SIDC doesn't allow / approve of convoys.
Should I read it that you don't consider 4/5 cars a convoy?
Thanks,
ChrisB.
I'm a little confused by your post (and not just being a funny bugger for the sake of it).
You mention the legendary SIDC Catalunya runs where you have 4 or 5 cars as a group, but then say SIDC doesn't allow / approve of convoys.
Should I read it that you don't consider 4/5 cars a convoy?
Thanks,
ChrisB.
09 June 2001, 11:17 AM
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Chris
Those glasses need up-grading mate
Catalunya is 3 (THREE) or 4 (FOUR) cars in a group. 4 would be the MAX and even then the lead car can call of any hazards he sees to warn those following,on the radios.
Those glasses need up-grading mate
Catalunya is 3 (THREE) or 4 (FOUR) cars in a group. 4 would be the MAX and even then the lead car can call of any hazards he sees to warn those following,on the radios.
09 June 2001, 11:41 AM
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Doh! {Reaches for the edit button...}
Actually, I'm going to Boot's on Tuesday for an eye test
So a convoy is more than 4 cars...
ChrisB.
[This message has been edited by ChrisB (edited 09 June 2001).]
Actually, I'm going to Boot's on Tuesday for an eye test
So a convoy is more than 4 cars...
ChrisB.
[This message has been edited by ChrisB (edited 09 June 2001).]
09 June 2001, 12:28 PM
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Banshi,
That reminds me of the old joke with the chapon the push bike getting a tow from his pal in an E Type.
Down the road they go 25mph, when a Jensen blasts past. Having none of that, the Etype with bike still attched goes in hot pusuit.
70/80/90/100mph The copper in the layby radios ahead to his mate, who says which car shall I stop? Never mind the car, says Plod 1, pull over the Bl**dy bike, he's waving his arms about like a madman trying to pass the E Type.
Cheers MTR
That reminds me of the old joke with the chapon the push bike getting a tow from his pal in an E Type.
Down the road they go 25mph, when a Jensen blasts past. Having none of that, the Etype with bike still attched goes in hot pusuit.
70/80/90/100mph The copper in the layby radios ahead to his mate, who says which car shall I stop? Never mind the car, says Plod 1, pull over the Bl**dy bike, he's waving his arms about like a madman trying to pass the E Type.
Cheers MTR
09 June 2001, 12:37 PM
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If any of you have an RACMSA blue book - have a shufty at the twelve car regs/treasure hunt info coz thats what one of these meets could possibly be construed as if there is any hassle. Otherwise keep shtum and they can't touch you foritt!
If any one asks you what your doing - just fumble around in your pockets and fish out any old book, thumb through it a bit, find a page and utter the immortal line "My hovercraft is full of eels!"
Pip pip!
Matt
[This message has been edited by Harrymattson (edited 09 June 2001).]
If any one asks you what your doing - just fumble around in your pockets and fish out any old book, thumb through it a bit, find a page and utter the immortal line "My hovercraft is full of eels!"
Pip pip!
Matt
[This message has been edited by Harrymattson (edited 09 June 2001).]
09 June 2001, 10:52 PM
#19
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OK I think I've got it,
" But officer, I've been wildy waving my arms whilst keeping a constant hold of the wheel but these three scoobs in front won't let me past in my barge full of eels"!
Seriously though thanks for the replies!
Bob
" But officer, I've been wildy waving my arms whilst keeping a constant hold of the wheel but these three scoobs in front won't let me past in my barge full of eels"!
Seriously though thanks for the replies!
Bob
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