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[JamesV6CDX]

Despite no noise or mess...neighbour across road at Maria's objects to anything happening to a car engine while it's parked outside Maria's house, and has openly told me he believe's I'm breaking the law.

Have researched this and he is actually correct.

Town and Police clauses act 1847.

States that repairs to a cariage at the roadside, other than in an emergency, is an offence.

Act is in use, and enforcable today.

Therefore I have a problem. Do I continue to repair the car (eg change the headgaskets!) where is is, or do I Get it transported to my home in Cheltenham (at high cost) where I can work on it at my house, off the road?

I think he WILL call the cops if I do a job that major, and for reasons which will be obvious for some, I don't need that right now!!

[bappy]

Surely it's not a cariage, it isn't pulled by a horse!

[JamesV6CDX]

Surely it's not a cariage, it isn't pulled by a horse!

I too thought that - but it does in fact apply to cars.

[Markie]

You live there, its your car and the repair is deemed necessary by a mechanically competent individual.

So on with the repair.

[sassanach]

carry on as you are,do you think that the cops are going to break of their donut eating/tax collecting just to bust you?dream on mate.

[Growler]

I would finish the repair, if the Police do turn up you are just repairing it so it can be moved,

Some people really need to get a life  

[CaptainZok]

Mental picture of squad cars' ARV and helicopters bearing down on Maria's house as soon as James picks up a spanner.
Seriously I'd have thought the police have better things to do than harrass you for trying to repair your car.
Worst case apologise and say you didn't know it was against the law can't see plod wanting all the hassle of prosecuting you for that. Anyway what's the fine going to be something rediculous like the princely sum of five shillings.

[platty]

James, I changed a head gasket on a Nissan Sunny on the side of the road a couple of years ago. My neighbour walked past and saw the head on the side of the road and called the Police stating the same law you have. The police came, laughed and said "carry on mate, your no bother there" and told the neighbour the same sort of thing.

IMHO don't worry until the police come - it is probably the least enforced law in the book!  

[Brian T]

If you read the through this act especially section 28....Just about the only thing you can do on a public highway is breath in and out.
In all probability if he called the poice they would tell him they'll look into it.....and then have another cup of tea!

http://uce2003els.studio400.me.uk/Town_Police_Clauses_Act_1847.PDF

[TheBoy]

He is actually right, I know you can't do anything by side of road other tha emergencys (eg wheel change).  I am surprised you even attempted any work on the road - even servicing would be out.

Whilst I think police probably won't be that bothered (and hence why I'd normally say just do it), it probably will get recorded, which is obviously a big issue to you.

[HolyCount]

If it wasn't for your complication -- I would go with the above -- however, sometimes the police are forced to act on these outdated laws by clever individuals.

I remember, in Worthing, a woman got her coat ruined when a householder threw a bucket of water across the pavement into the gulley. The woman complained to the police, who initially told her "to go away, it's a civil matter".  Anyway, she was the sort to push the point and her lawyer discovered this Lord knows how old law saying it was an offence to discharge water across the pavement on certain days ( of which this was one!).

Can't remember the outcome, but the point is a police complaint was lodged against the householder.

That said .... what constitutes "an emergency" ?  Maybe a quiet word at the nick might be in order, get in before he does.

[Martin_1962]

If it can't be moved - well there is the answer.

Go to the Police and tell them what you are doing to the car and what you are doing and I think all will be OK

[Elite Pete]

If it can't be moved - well there is the answer.

Go to the Police and tell them what you are doing to the car and what you are doing and I think all will be OK

Im sure if need be, the Police would move it and at great cost too

[TheBoy]

If it can't be moved - well there is the answer.

Go to the Police and tell them what you are doing to the car and what you are doing and I think all will be OK

My own experience if you ask them, is they have to keep to the official line, so they will tell you 'no'  

Obviously, if you then subsequently have a complaint raised against you, there may be problems.

[JamesV6CDX]

 I am surprised you even attempted any work on the road - even servicing would be out.

My common sense told me that I was unlikely to be taken away in cuffs for changing a plug - which is where I started