This is interesting........
From Avon & Somerset Constabulary website:
Section 42 Road Traffic Act 1988
Added by Freedom of Information Team on 21 April 2015 at 14:07
Question
1. Could you please tell me how many prosecutions have been brought by Avon and Somerset Police for offences under Section 42 Road Traffic Act 1988, for opening car doors so as to cause injure or endanger any person, in the Bristol area for each of the last five years?
2. How many of those prosecutions were successful?
Answer
Please see below for the total number of prosecutions brought under s42 Traffic Act 1998:
Year - Total Prosecutions/ Total Successful
2010 3 - 3
2011 4 - 3
2012 1 - 1
2013 0 - 0
2014 2 - 2
FOI reference 653/15.
From a Solicitor website - it seems that this relates mainly to opening a door as a cyclist passes by, so not the same thing at all.
Opening a Car Door
It is an offence to open a door of a motor vehicle or trailer on a road so as to cause injury or danger.
Sentences available include a fine of up to £1000.00, or a fixed penalty.
The offence consists of opening a car door so as to cause danger or injury to any person, If a child opened a door and a parent permitted the door to be opened then a parent could be held responsible for permitting the offence to have been permitted.
The charge has a wide definition. The Crown do not have to prove carelessness, nor that someone was struck or injured, only that the act caused danger.
We will provide objective practical advice and assistance, and understanding counsel.
Do not face this offence alone, contact us immediately.
