Hit and Run

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Fri 10 Nov 2017 16:45
Hit and Run - VickyM
I was recently involved in a hit and run accident earlier this week painfully I was unable to get the registration of the car however I did clock the make and model. The roundabout on which it happened does not have cameras however the slip road that leads onto the motorway that the car escaped onto does. I have contacted the highways agency about obtaining cctv footage and they have replied that they have checked the footage and can't identify the car that hit me. I have almost an exact time and location and make and model of the car. The camera points directly onto the slip road it would have 100% picked up the car fleeing. My question is am I allowed by law to request a copy of the cctv footage for myself to look through? I have had to rely on the operator to check for me but I would much prefer to check myself. Where do I stand by law at requesting this ? Is it possible?

Thanks
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Fri 10 Nov 2017 17:01
Hit and Run - RobJP

You should be reporting the matter to the police, and they will then go about requesting the footage.

Do note that highways do not keep footage for long unless specifically requested to do so.

Also do note that their cameras are designed for traffic management, not road traffic policing, so they do not record to the same standards or image quality. As such, yes, it is entirely feasible that the numberplate will not be anything other than a blur.

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Fri 10 Nov 2017 17:05
Hit and Run - VickyM
The police attended the scene and I have a crime reference number. There is a live cctv feed on the slip road and I know I'm stabbing in the dark at the hopes of getting a registration but the feed is quite good quality. What I want to know is am I allowed to request a copy of the video for myself?
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Fri 10 Nov 2017 17:40
Hit and Run - TedCrilly

Why do you need to see it?

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offence, let the Police handle it.

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Fri 10 Nov 2017 18:37
Hit and Run - VickyM
I'm just enquiring as to whether it's possible for me to view the footage, why such hostility? Please if you have nothing helpful to say than don't comment.
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Fri 10 Nov 2017 18:39
Hit and Run - TedCrilly

Seemed a civil enough question to me.

So why do you want to see the footage yourself?

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Fri 10 Nov 2017 18:59
Hit and Run - VickyM
I have no no registration of the vehicle the only information I have is colour and make of car ,, the police told me there is no cameras there yet I have discovered that the slip road she took does have a camera. The operator at highways agency said he couldn't recognise the car that hit me and they can't help me any further. I wanted to view the footage for myself as I believe she is on it but maybe they aren't seeing it. I'm sorry if I come across as rude or agitated, my 3 year old son was in my car and she hit his side, I am angry and frustrated and honestly just not prepared to except a "no sorry we can't see anything".
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Fri 10 Nov 2017 19:18
Hit and Run - RobJP

In answer to your question :

You only have the RIGHT to see footage that YOU are recorded and identifiable on. Even then, any other cars or people would be 'blurred out', leaving just you visible. If you didn't drive down that slip road, then you have no right to see any footage from it.

If you feel that the police are not taking the matter seriously, then I suggest you raise a complaint to them

I note that you're now identifying the other driver as 'she'. I suspect there's more going on here than is being let on about.

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Fri 10 Nov 2017 19:40
Hit and Run - VickyM
Thank you for answering my question. And no there is nothing more going on here like you're trying to imply, I know it was a "she" as I drove past her in the other lane and looked across at her.. that's all.
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Sat 11 Nov 2017 09:20
Hit and Run - TedCrilly

I strongly suggest you leave this matter in its entirety to the Police and your own insurance company.

If the other driver is traced and prosecuted, and it is found you have been interferring and attempting to take maters into your own hand it may well prejudice the outcome. Furthermore there is a possibility you may well identify the wrong vehicle.

I can nderstand your anguish but you really do need to stand back and let the Police take the lead.

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Sat 11 Nov 2017 11:54
Hit and Run - daveyjp
The police won’t let you see any coverage. They don’t know if you have contacts who may wish to sort the offender out.
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Sat 11 Nov 2017 16:24
Hit and Run - Middleman

Just out of interest, if you were able to see the footage and you were able to identify the vehicle involved, what would you then do?

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Sun 12 Nov 2017 09:38
Hit and Run - concrete

A lot of fair points made here Vicky. We all understand the frustration and anger at suffering at the hands of someone who then runs away, but you must take a breath and stand back. You must go through the legal procedure, albeit slow at times, and then if you are not satisfied you can complain. I am sure if the police examined the cctv footage you would have to accept their verdict of whether the footage is useful or not. They won't act without evidence or witnesses. If you do manage to trace the offender, what then?? Your only choice is a private prosecution via the small claims court. Usually anyone who runs away like this is probably without the means to pay the damages, and will be uninsured, so the case would be a waste of time and money. Anyway, step back and see what the police come up with. Your insurance company will do very little except repair the damage and increase your premium. Part of motoring life in the UK I am afraid.

Good luck and do let us know what happens.

Cheers Concrete

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Sun 12 Nov 2017 11:49
Hit and Run - gordonbennet

I'm sorry but the police don't even attend burglaries for mr or mrs average any more, so the chances of them even bothering with this are minimal.

You have to assume you are on your own from now on, this is the reality of modern life and it isn't going to change, get yourself a half decent dash cam, preferably one that has a second input for a rear facing camera so at least you have some footage for your insurer should something happen again, they might do something.

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Sun 12 Nov 2017 14:30
Hit and Run - concrete

Good advice gb. A dashcam is always pretty good evidence. She still has to try the police first though, then move on. Shame but as you say, its a facet of modern life.

Cheers Concrete

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Sun 12 Nov 2017 17:31
Hit and Run - TedCrilly

Identifying the car is one thing, identifying the driver is altogether something else.

Have you disscused the issue with your insurance co? They will be eager to recover their losses and if there is a chance the car and driver can he traced relatively easily no doubt they will persue it.

Edited by TedCrilly on 12/11/2017 at 17:35

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Sun 12 Nov 2017 22:23
Hit and Run - Middleman

Identifying the car is one thing, identifying the driver is altogether something else.

If the vehicle is identified the matter of providing the driver's details fals to the Registered Keeper (or somebody else that the RK nominates). The threat of six points and a hefty fine in the event of their failure to do so tends to concentrate their mind.

Edited by Middleman on 12/11/2017 at 22:24

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Mon 13 Nov 2017 08:14
Hit and Run - TedCrilly

Assuming of course the vehicle is not cloned or stolen and is being used with owners knowledge and consent.

Edited by TedCrilly on 13/11/2017 at 08:20

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