And another one.
Driving the wrong way up a one-way street? Don't worry, the police can't report you any more
By Daily Mail Reporter
Officers in Britain's biggest police force have been stripped of their powers to enforce key rules of the road, with other forces likely to follow suit.
Drivers caught driving in the wrong direction up one-way streets, ignoring no-entry signs and flouting turning restrictions should simply be offered a few words of advice, according to new Metropolitan Police guidelines.
The infractions, downgraded to 'minor errors of judgment', will now be dealt with by local authorities, if at all.
One campaigner said it means police 'are being told not to police' and warned that other cities are likely to follow London's lead.
A memo circulated to officers this week outlines how a review of new laws has transferred responsibility for enforcing minor road offences from the police.
It read: 'Where officers witness offences in circumstances that amount to minor errors of judgment, drivers may continue to be stopped and words of advice given, however, no formal warning may be given or reporting action taken.'
Motorists defying traffic signs could face prosecution if caught on street cameras operated by local authorities in the capital.
Signs included in the guidelines include those specifying direction of traffic flow, turning restrictions, no entry, flow priority, no u-turns and vehicle restrictions.
The Met Police memo adds: 'Officers must not tell drivers that no proceedings will be brought as a local authority civil enforcement notice could still be issued, for example where the authority has captured the offence on camera.'
Anti-camera group Motorists Against Detection described the move to shift police powers to local councils as 'outrageous'.
A campaigner who calls himself Captain Gatso said: 'This is purely about getting the cash in to the council's coffers.'
Police can still take action against a motorist if the standard of driving is so dangerous or careless that other roads users are put in danger.
A Met Police spokesman said: 'Following a review of police powers after the introduction of the Traffic Management Act 2004 and the Transport for London Act 2003, police no longer have legal power to enforce certain moving traffic offences involving non-compliance with signs.
'The power for enforcement now lies with Transport for London and local councils.
'Where officers see driving that is blatantly of a poor standard or that endangers other road users police will still intervene and take action under their general powers to tackle dangerous or careless driving.'