Police stops on Essex Rd

I was in central london several months ago on the way to one of the onedotzero nights at southbank and whilst stuck in a traffic jam (you know- when you're completely locked in and can't wriggle out) I ended up with a police car on one side and the pavement on the other.."Balls" I think "no jumping on the pavement for me" after we've been sitting there for 5 minutes (literally) not being able to move the policeman rolls down the window and hits me with "What are you doing? Why don't you just get on the pavement and cut accross?"
In shock, I reply "Um.. well... it's ILLLEGAL isn't it?", the policeman laughs and says (I kid you not) "YEAH, like that matters"

Fucking hell - what's the bet if you'd have gone up on the curb he would have (or his friend) got out and gave you some trouble.