Royal Mail vehicles and the law.

[oldbikenut]

On several occasions over the last week I have been traveling to work and have met a Royal Mail van (I presume delivering letters to houses) driving quite a considerable distance towards me on my side of the road. The driver appears to be completely obliviouse to the oncoming traffic. I have asked a retired policeman who informs me that the Royal Mail take presidence over other road user. This would appear to be like the old joke, the Ireland is to start drivuing on the right hand side of the road from Monday, busses start next to drive on the right form next Monday. Ca anyone clariffie the law for me.

[Buenchico]

Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road is not, per se, an offence. (i.e. there's no law which specifically states that a driver must not do it and a driver can't be charged with 'driving on the wrong side of the road'). If a police officer sees someone doing it, he must decide whether it is likely that a court would rule that the driver is in breach of any of the more general laws which relate to driving a motor vehicle (such as 'driving without due consideration for other road users', 'driving without due care or attention' or 'dangerous driving').

So, for example, the milkman who drives his milk float along the 'wrong' side of a deserted road at 4am is almost certainly acting entirely within the law, even if he carries out the whole of his round in that way. It's up to the police (and later the CPS and courts, if appropriate) to determine whether the actions of other drivers, such as Royal Mail employees, fall foul of the 'general' motoring laws referred to above.

Chris

[ABerrant]

It may be the case that your retired policeman is particularly ancient!

After King Charles I opened up the Royal Mail service to the general public in July 1635 it certainly was the case that conveyance of Royal Mail, such as by mail coach, took precedence over all other transport and passengers therein.

In 1811 Yorkshiremen John and James Donkin overtook the Mail when travelling by wagon between Scarborough and Hull and received a fine of 20 Guineas upon conviction of the offence.

[oldbikenut]

Thank you one and all for your time and effort in answering my question. Kind Regards Oldbikenut