Hello Raineman,

Its a irritating offence which can cause accidents.I would like the answer you are asking,maybe drivers are cautioned by the police.

What police? Round here traffic patrols are few and far between, because all the funding was spent on speed cameras, humps, chicanes, 100 yard stretches of cycle lane, large numbers of pelican crossings and a dense infestation of traffic lights.

The local authority was anti-motorist for many years, it is even now spending hundreds of thousands on two stretches of bus-lane, the works are causing congestion now and when finished will allow buses free flow for a few hundred yards from one bottleneck to the next, while delaying everything else more than ever.

I'd love to see traffic cops nailing tailgaters, but to coin a phrase, that will be the day!

Police can issue a S59 notice (Police Reform Act 2002) if the driver committed an offence under s.3 or s.34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which has caused alarm or distress to another. I know it's used because after a driver tried intimidation on me, the police interviewed him and served a S59 notice at home. Very upsetting for his Mum! Must say I was quite surprised at their diligence, but I suspect he was on their list of boy-racers. Next time he steps out of line, apparently his wheels will be seized. If you don't speak up, the police can take no action - perhaps the tailgater was under the influence, or driving a stolen car. At least give the police a chance to act is my view.

Edited by nortones2 on 27/11/2010 at 10:15

A lot of tractors have the ideal anti tailgating kit:- that big spike sticking out of the back for carrying big bales. IWOOT