Just a thumbs up to our local Police.
(They used to be the TOG, but now I see
they are the Highway Patrol, to keep in step with our American
cousins, I guess.)
I had occasion to drive through their
roadblock yesterday morning. Leading S/C PAYNE gave my vehicle the
once over. He advised me of a few matters, which I was on the verge
of attending to. (aren't we all.) & he gave me my paperwork
promptly and cordially.
I think it needs to be said, this
officer's conduct was first rate.
No one wants to spend money on their
car- especially in these lean times.
But safety is safety.
According to the paper today, tyres
were the main issue. If a driver is trying to wring every last drop
of use out of his rubbers before they peel off, he runs the risk of
road trauma- not only to himself, but to other road users.
That is selfishness & pig
ignorance.
But I have to say the conduct of the
police was tempered with moderation.
We here in Portland may count our
blessings with regard to our highway law enforcement.
I spend a good part of the year in the
States, and the Highway Patrol there can be vicious, bloodthirsty
brutes. One false move, and they leave your carcass in the desert
for the buzzards.
But Mr. Payne's policing was pretty
much pitch perfect.
There are times- especially given our 3
km 'leeway' rule regarding speed limits (which incidentally is a
worldwide JOKE), when one could be tempted to think our police are
mere revenue collectors for the money hungry government.
If that is the case- I saw no evidence
of it that day.
Bad news makes better copy than good,
but on this occasion, the news is good. So there.
& in times like these...it's good
to hear a bit of good news.
Outstanding.
John Warwick Arden
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