Cleveland Police bikers park by no-parking cones in Hawes (From Darlington and Stockton Times)
Send us your pictures, video, news and views by texting DST to 80360 or email us
Cleveland Police bikers park by no-parking cones in Hawes
8:00am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News
By Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter
CAUSING OUTCRY: Police motorcyclists parked next to no-waiting cones in Hawes
TWO police motorcyclists have been photographed parked next to cones left by colleagues to keep a road clear of bikers.
The Cleveland Police officers have been criticised by community leaders in Hawes for adding to long-running problems of motorcyclists causing an obstruction in the Yorkshire Dales town.
The police bikers pulled up beside the no-waiting cones only hours after they had been left by local police on Tuesday.
When challenged by a business owner about their parking, the officers apparently said they were on “urgent, yet secret police business”.
However, witnesses said the two men spent about 45 minutes in a nearby cafe popular with motorcyclists.
Bikers blocking access to homes and businesses and walkers on the pavement near the Penny Garth Cafe are a continuing problem.
The no-waiting cones were left after John Blackie, the chairman of Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council, raised the issue with Sergeant Stuart Grainger, from the local police.
Coun Blackie said: “What is the point of police no-parking cones when the police themselves take no notice of them, you might ask.”
Coun Blackie said the police motorbikes encouraged other motorcyclists to park in the area. He said: “We concluded that the urgent and secret business was none other than having a leisurely and hearty breakfast in the company of others from the motorbike fraternity.”
Cleveland Police said it was speaking with the officers to establish why it was necessary to park in that area.
A spokesman said: “From the information provided, the road markings appear to be keep-clear markings as outlined in the Department of Transport road traffic signs manual, which are not legally enforceable.”
Double yellow lines are due to be painted on the road outside the cafe to prevent bikes and cars parking in the area.
Signs will also be erected advising motorists not to park on the pavement.
Comments(36)
darlolad2000
says...
9:10am Thu 30 Aug 12
darlolad2000
says...
9:10am Thu 30 Aug 12
Got Ya
says...
9:44am Thu 30 Aug 12
Coun. Blackie would be the first to complain about a lack of police presence in Hawes.
peelers
says...
9:51am Thu 30 Aug 12
Sean G
says...
10:12am Thu 30 Aug 12
As Councillor Blackie knows the police put a lot of resources and effort into Bike Safety particularly in the Hawes area to cut down on the number of deaths and accidents that occur.
He is happy for local businesses to take money from bikers so he should be happy to show the officers some leeway in their attempts to keep the roads safe.
johnny_p
says...
10:14am Thu 30 Aug 12
And as far the Police- you need to bear in mind they barely know the law themselves. There are plenty of videos on Youtube showing this, which are well worth watching.
chapmansheader
says...
10:16am Thu 30 Aug 12
DBC0001
says...
10:39am Thu 30 Aug 12
Sick As A Pig
says...
11:02am Thu 30 Aug 12
darlolad2000 wrote:They do what ? You must know different Police than most other people.
I wouldn't have taken a slight bit of notice weather they had parked there or not.. if they had gone into a cafe so what. these guys and girls put there life's on the line protecting us citizens we should really not make a big deal over it. you just never know when you might need them in an emergency
Sick As A Pig
says...
11:05am Thu 30 Aug 12
johnny_p wrote:Stop on comment, The Police THINK they know the Law but alas they dont, They dont study for years like lawyers or barristers who DO actually know the Law, they are told what to enforce and most times screw up.
As far as I am aware, traffic cones are legally enforceable? There are traffic cones scattered about all over the country- (the British have an obsession with them) and plenty are pinched and placed outside private homes to stop people parking there etc.
And as far the Police- you need to bear in mind they barely know the law themselves. There are plenty of videos on Youtube showing this, which are well worth watching.
thehogman
says...
12:12pm Thu 30 Aug 12
letshavesomecommonsense
says...
3:25pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Let's just look at this sensibly shall we, like a couple of people already have done, just to prove there are people out there with some intelligence.
1. Yes, at times it is a case of do as I say, not as I do for the police. Or in the case of laws and legislation, the word is exemption. A legal exemption. This is what allows police officers to uphold the laws that are made. The same principle which allow officers to exceed the speed limit or to physically restrain people. Why then do the residents of Hawes find it so surprising that police officers also have an exemption to no waiting cones if in their opinion it is justified to do so. For instance, when those cones are to be collected, will the residents rush out and photograph the police vehicle which parks to collect them?
2. Justification. Police officers are actually homo-sapiens. I know some. Some are actually even normal people. So, being humans police officers do need to eat and drink. It is just possible that being from Cleveland, the officers may have required refreshments and therefore stopped to make use of local facilities. Therefore, if the officers thought it justified to leave their machines in a position where they could maintain their security and be ready at hand, then I'm afraid that us other law abiding citizens will just have to live with it in the same way as we accept seeing one stationary on the motorway or passing us at high speed on the public roads. It is how they are able to do what they do.
3. Were they actually causing an obstruction? Well from the way they appear to be parked, it would appear not to me having viewed the picture. Perhaps I am wrong?
Where exactly is your story Joe?
Daza
says...
9:21pm Thu 30 Aug 12
O personally think they should have parked elsewhere.
As usual a busybody with nothing better to do decides to photograph them! Wonder if this busybody has a grudge against the Police, more than
Likely!
The great British public, and press will very soon have the Police Service it deserves!
baz-tard
says...
9:39pm Thu 30 Aug 12
johnny_p
says...
8:03am Fri 31 Aug 12
With regard to the traffic cones? They can park and do what they want as far as I'm concerned- but the same rules apply to me. I know where I am free to drive as I wish- they can't be everywhere.
Al1R
says...
8:17am Fri 31 Aug 12
Don't believe it
says...
9:17am Fri 31 Aug 12
lurkingspider
says...
9:53am Fri 31 Aug 12
maybe a quick refresh on the Peelian Principles of policing? especially
"..Police seek and preserve public favour not by catering to public opinion, but by constantly demonstrating absolute impartial service to the law...."
and
"...Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent upon every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence...."
We all know its a tough job. But it erodes support when they claim a "secret mission" when in fact obviously illegally parking to grab a tea and a bacon sarnie after a jolly out on nice roads. They're their own worst enemy sometimes,
Brianzim
says...
11:15am Fri 31 Aug 12
That's why we left Zimbabwe - seems we've been followed!
entitled opinion
says...
1:01pm Fri 31 Aug 12
The only thing that you have achieved by this is.... well nothing apart from maybe the cops thinking twice before they even bother to go to Hawes in future. There's plenty of other places where they are wanted and the work that they do is appreciated.
Oh actually I saw a police vehicle parked on double yellow lines the other day while the brave single crewed officer was dealing with a drunken idiot. Should they have parked in a pay and display carpark some distance away? I should have got a picture of it so you could tear the good work that they were doing apart to.
highupinthegods
says...
1:38pm Fri 31 Aug 12
I have say if the officers from Cleveland were in the dales to clamp down on the irresponsible motorcyclists who put their and others lives in danger I would support they presence.
However as a regular driver in the dales it is rare to see a motorcyclist being pulled over and given a ticket. the police seem more interested in chatting to them.
It would be interesting to know how many motorcyclists have been prosecuted in Durham and Cleveland for speeding etc.
Durham and I believe Cleveland take motorcyclists out on training sessions yet the most needy road users in need of training are new drivers.
Motorcyclists put them selves in danger when they break the law, you can see this every day in the dales. Yet car drivers are prosecuted with venom by the police.
The officers concerned should be asked the reason for breaking the law on this occasion and if it was not justified they should be prosecuted and disciplined.
Daza
says...
6:16pm Fri 31 Aug 12
Face it Echo, you really scraped the bottom of the barrel here.
Police motorbikes parked near to road cones! Come off it, let's see something juicier for a change!
I personally think you need some new journalists who KNOW how to get a good story!
Homshaw1
says...
8:55am Sat 1 Sep 12
Walk around Darlo on a morning and you will see council vans parked in places where you would get tickets while the occupants fill up with fast food and newspapers. I've even seen fire engines parked while firemen use cash point machines
highupinthegods
says...
9:53am Sat 1 Sep 12
Homshaw1 wrote:I understand a president in the middle east is abusing his position.
Do all people who are in a position to abuse their position not do so to some extent?
Walk around Darlo on a morning and you will see council vans parked in places where you would get tickets while the occupants fill up with fast food and newspapers. I've even seen fire engines parked while firemen use cash point machines
Police above all public servants should be whiter than white.
The same standards of judgement should be applied to thier Chief Officer as well.
But it shows an arrogance within parts of Cleveland Police which is not acceptable.
If you feel some areas of mis use of authority are acceptable just where do yo draw the line. This is not bashing the police as the majority do a comendable job day in day out without recoognition or praise from the public. I feel it is a blatent disregard for the law and setting a very poor example to the public at large. Perhaps the motorcycle officers would like to cancle the tickets they issue at the riverside for the same offence. Yes it is only a trivial breach of the law but by a law enforcer.
hello sailor
says...
9:25pm Sun 2 Sep 12
DBC0001 wrote:We should actually be giving these officers a pat on the back for working in the toughtest of environments in difficult conditions and where all forces are facing huge financial cuts. I hope the armchair warriors with nothing better to do but complain here need the police one day, then they might appreciate how skilled these individuals are: highly trained, never knowing what to face next, and from life savers to social workers.
Along with the unlawful parking issue, one has to ask what were Cleveland Police officers doing in Hawes? it is way outside of their force area, were they authroised to be there, were they on a jolly?
I think what annoys me most is the Councillor's rant. What do councillors actually do anyway? This has prompted me to look into their roles and responsibilities - I'll bet he recieves some kind of allowance and expenses at the cost to my income tax bill. Let's get rid of these community pests who serve no real purpose, and invest the money in frontline services - such as the police force, ambuance service, armed forces etc. These are the people that really make a difference - not those who hang around outside cafes waiting for something to make an issue out of.
I hope the officers concerned hear nothing more on the subject. I for one am grateful for their enduring efforts and have the utmost of respect for their professional skills.
numpty001
says...
11:13am Mon 3 Sep 12
ianh
says...
12:08pm Mon 3 Sep 12
I went to the same cafe on my bike last friday (superb bacon sarnie by the way) and noticed cones had gone.
Cllr Blackie might wish to speak to the businesses about how important bikes are to the area.
As for the one or two rather hysterical anti-bike posts above, i can only advise that motorcylists must be the most highly policed road users in the country. When was the last time ever car driver was stopped for using a stretch of road? Not an unusual situation to a motorcylist.
No problem with more road traffic officers though, they might just have seen the silver Astra which almost took me out on that same ride when he pulled out out a junction without looking........
Living in the real world
says...
9:09pm Mon 3 Sep 12
The road traffic enforcement units of Cleveland and Durham merged some time ago. This means maintained or extra cover for road traffic issues. Something many forces cut back on.
Both forces promote an 'education' approach to motorcyclists but do enforce the law rigorously if appropriate, and rightly so.
In fact last year Durham motorcycle section were voted the best force nationally in respect of motorcycle education.
As for the parking this is just a pedantic rant by a councillor and as already mentioned probably complains about the lack of policing. Nothing beats the physical presence of the police as a deterrent.
Integrity stops me from commenting further on councillors and their perks.
Living in the real world
says...
9:09pm Mon 3 Sep 12
The road traffic enforcement units of Cleveland and Durham merged some time ago. This means maintained or extra cover for road traffic issues. Something many forces cut back on.
Both forces promote an 'education' approach to motorcyclists but do enforce the law rigorously if appropriate, and rightly so.
In fact last year Durham motorcycle section were voted the best force nationally in respect of motorcycle education.
As for the parking this is just a pedantic rant by a councillor and as already mentioned probably complains about the lack of policing. Nothing beats the physical presence of the police as a deterrent.
Integrity stops me from commenting further on councillors and their perks.
the-big-yin
says...
10:19am Tue 4 Sep 12
johnny_p wrote:look...THE POLICE EXCUSE MY PUN...ARE A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES...RECENTL
Any respect I had for the Police has withered in recent years. You only need to watch these Traffic Cop-type programmes where their arrogance and distain for the public is clear to see. It's just a silly little boys club now with them playing round in high powered vehicles (at the tax-payers expense).
With regard to the traffic cones? They can park and do what they want as far as I'm concerned- but the same rules apply to me. I know where I am free to drive as I wish- they can't be everywhere.
Y AN OLD COUPLE DID AS THESE 2 POLICE OFFICERS DID BUT IN A CAR...GUESS WHAT HAPPENED...OH YES ...THEY GOT A PARKING TICKET...ONE LAW FOR ONE AND ANOTHER LAW FOR THE POLICE.....LAWS ARE THERE FOR A REASON...TO GET BROKEN BY THE POLICE.....
ChrisW25
says...
9:26pm Mon 17 Sep 12
POLICE ‘NO WAITING‘ SIGNS
> The Traffic Management Act 2004 makes provision for any person under the instructions of the police or highway authority to place ‘no waiting’ cones on highway indicating prohibitions or restrictions relating to vehicular traffic in order to prevent congestion or obstruction – power to maintain such a sign for a maximum period of 7 days or less from the time it was placed out. Section 67 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1974 grants this power but only in extraordinary circumstances. Only police officers can deal with drivers/riders who fail to comply with these cones – the offence is failing to conform to a traffic sign and is non-endorsable.<
Makes me wonder what the extraordinary circumstances were that day and the next and the weeks after that required for those cones to be placed around that Cafe. One thought comes into mind - John Blackie, the chairman of Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council also has a Cafe in Hawes, so calling Sergeant Stuart Grainger from the local police and asking him to surround the Penny Garth Cafe with NO WAITING cones might just be a Conflict of Interests but then may be not, or is it ...? 'Double yellow lines are due to be painted on the road outside the cafe to prevent bikes and cars parking in the area'. Why just there? They parked there for over 40 years,are they actually causing an obstruction? It never caused an accident or even slowed down the traffic, so where is the problem? And by the way , >To install such lines requires a lengthy legal process to be followed which involves consulting on the details with the Public
ChrisW25
says...
9:30pm Mon 17 Sep 12
letshavesomecommonsense
says...
9:53pm Mon 17 Sep 12
baz-tard wrote:It isn't a cycle lane, nor has that even been mentioned. So please forgive me if I suggest that is completely irrelevant.
It actually looks like a cycle-lane and therefore should be kept clear and definitely no-parking by ANYONE!
letshavesomecommonsense
says...
10:03pm Mon 17 Sep 12
highupinthegods wrote:It is not a breach or even a misdemeanor. Police officers, on duty and if they believe it is justified to do so in the circumstances, are legally exempt from parking restrictions. So are ambulances, fire & rescue vehicles and a whole list of other vehicles used for emergency response or law enforcement purposes. So there is no breach. There is a reason for it. If you sat and thought about if for a while, the reasons may actually become obvious to you. They aren't arrogant, they aren't abusing their position. They are exercising their powers, given to them in law to enable them to provide the service expected of them by ordinary, decent people like you and I.
Homshaw1 wrote:I understand a president in the middle east is abusing his position.
Do all people who are in a position to abuse their position not do so to some extent?
Walk around Darlo on a morning and you will see council vans parked in places where you would get tickets while the occupants fill up with fast food and newspapers. I've even seen fire engines parked while firemen use cash point machines
Police above all public servants should be whiter than white.
The same standards of judgement should be applied to thier Chief Officer as well.
But it shows an arrogance within parts of Cleveland Police which is not acceptable.
If you feel some areas of mis use of authority are acceptable just where do yo draw the line. This is not bashing the police as the majority do a comendable job day in day out without recoognition or praise from the public. I feel it is a blatent disregard for the law and setting a very poor example to the public at large. Perhaps the motorcycle officers would like to cancle the tickets they issue at the riverside for the same offence. Yes it is only a trivial breach of the law but by a law enforcer.
letshavesomecommonsense
says...
10:17pm Mon 17 Sep 12
lurkingspider wrote:Again, yes they are exempt. Speed limits, red lights, keep left arrows and PARKING RESTRICTIONS to name but a few. If you or Councillor Blackie care to look it up, it will clear up any ambiguities...
No it's not crime of the century but it is evidence of the "them and us" attitude. It is not unreasonable to ask why cleveland bikers are in another jurisdiction (albeit a beautiful ride) and ignoring the traffic laws. (which they are not exempt from btw)
maybe a quick refresh on the Peelian Principles of policing? especially
"..Police seek and preserve public favour not by catering to public opinion, but by constantly demonstrating absolute impartial service to the law...."
and
"...Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent upon every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence...."
We all know its a tough job. But it erodes support when they claim a "secret mission" when in fact obviously illegally parking to grab a tea and a bacon sarnie after a jolly out on nice roads. They're their own worst enemy sometimes,
Normski1960 says...
8:08am Thu 30 Aug 12