We usually grab a cappuccino and a minced pie whilst having a wander. We were nearly there when I spotted the feared “rainbow” from diesel on the road as I was slowing for a junction. Unfortunately, it was too late, and the rear end slipped out from under me. That was the end of the Africa Twin. I also went down super hard and managed to break my leg.

Thankfully, my wife was behind me ( on her own Africa Twin) and managed to avoid the diesel. After I was whisked off in the ambulance, my wife was able to follow the “rainbow trail” (the police were not interested) with her mobile phone camera running and managed to follow the trail about half a mile or so, all the way to a local bus company and found the bus parked up and leaking (I suspect an over-filled tank). The driver was still in the yard sorting out some things and was initially okay, but then kicked off when he clocked the mobile phone video recording.

Instead of getting involved in a massive row, my wife ( still recording) left and reported them to the police. I’ve tried to get the police to do something about it in the week since, but they don’t seem fussed and told me to contact the MIB (I now know this means the Motor Insurers’ Bureau). Are the police just palming me off on to someone else?

Answer

I don’t know if the police are deliberately ‘palming you off’. However, directing you to the MIB is completely wrong in this scenario. The MIB do deal with cases involving diesel spills, but only where there is an “untraced driver”. In this case, you know who the driver is and have details of the bus and where it is stored. Further, any half decent solicitor will be able to track down their insurance company. Your wife’s video is key evidence in this matter, especially if the bus driver/owner/insurer tries to deny liability.

You can use her video evidence to prove the diesel came from the bus and that caused you to fall off. In turn you can bring a successful claim against the bus driver/owner/insurer for your personal injury and other losses i.e. your kit and loss of income etc. Lastly, if the police do not follow up the criminal side of things against the bus driver/owner, I suggest you make a complaint to the police. There really is no good reason why they should not be prosecuted especially as you have been seriously hurt.

Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast

Motorcycle Sport & Leisure – March 2025