Issuing of summons: Are Traffic Police officers accountable?

[Zxcvb]

http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC09082...ers-accountable?

 

Letter from Michelle Ho 05:10 AM Aug 20, 2009 TODAYonline

 

A traffic summon I recently received has left me questioning the power with which police officers are able to issue such charges.

 

On July 11 at 4 pm, I was pulled over by two traffic police (TP) officers on the AYE who told me I had caused the vehicle behind me to slow down while I switched lanes. The officers did not issue anything in writing but said I would be penalized with three demerit points-my first ones in almost four years of driving-- and a fine of $120. I was told to wait for the summon in mail.

 

I received the notice a week later and was shocked to read that the officer had -- in my opinion-- grossly overstated my offences. Contrary to what was earlier said, the officers also doubled the demerit points penalty and increased the fine to $150.

 

The charge itself was already questionable. On that occasion, I was driving within the speed limit of the expressway, had signalled prior to changing lanes and had ascertained that vehicles were at a safe distance behind before I switched lanes. In no event did I cause any driver to "apply sudden brakes in order to avoid a collision", as the summon had so dramatically described.

 

Admittedly, the validity of the charge boils down to a case of "my word against his". But the officers certainly did their credibility no favours by issuing in written form a much more severe penalty than they had indicated verbally. How can the officers tell me one thing but write up a completely different one?

 

I sent in an appeal and was told a month later that the matter had been reviewed and the charge still stands. No explanation was given.

 

I find this apparent lack of accountability disturbing. In the first place, a proper summons form, instead of hand-written notes, should have been used to record the offences. The summons should state the offence committed and accompanying penalties, and be signed by both the officer and driver at the time of the incident.

 

Notice of offences should also include names of issuing officers, since there is little reason for them to operate behind an anonymous veil. Lastly, the authorities should at least explain their reasons for rejecting an appeal instead of just leaving the accused feeling a sense of injustice.

 

Such measures could impede the TP's efficiency that has for the large part served our nation so well. But surely, it is the lesser evil compared to the apparent free rein with which an officer could otherwise wield in issuing summons.

 

Are police officers infallible, incapable of human error or always beyond reproach? Why is there no transparency or system of checks of balances that can hold the officers in question responsible and accountable for their actions or subject their potential wrongdoings to scrutiny? Such a system opens doors for inconsistencies by which the law is enforced upon, and as such, can cause government agencies to lose credibility.

 

[Gary84]

bro....wad can i say...it's u against the Govt....so wad u tink?

 

http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC09082...ers-accountable?

 

Letter from Michelle Ho 05:10 AM Aug 20, 2009 TODAYonline

 

A traffic summon I recently received has left me questioning the power with which police officers are able to issue such charges.

 

On July 11 at 4 pm, I was pulled over by two traffic police (TP) officers on the AYE who told me I had caused the vehicle behind me to slow down while I switched lanes. The officers did not issue anything in writing but said I would be penalized with three demerit points-my first ones in almost four years of driving-- and a fine of $120. I was told to wait for the summon in mail.

 

I received the notice a week later and was shocked to read that the officer had -- in my opinion-- grossly overstated my offences. Contrary to what was earlier said, the officers also doubled the demerit points penalty and increased the fine to $150.

 

The charge itself was already questionable. On that occasion, I was driving within the speed limit of the expressway, had signalled prior to changing lanes and had ascertained that vehicles were at a safe distance behind before I switched lanes. In no event did I cause any driver to "apply sudden brakes in order to avoid a collision", as the summon had so dramatically described.

 

Admittedly, the validity of the charge boils down to a case of "my word against his". But the officers certainly did their credibility no favours by issuing in written form a much more severe penalty than they had indicated verbally. How can the officers tell me one thing but write up a completely different one?

 

I sent in an appeal and was told a month later that the matter had been reviewed and the charge still stands. No explanation was given.

 

I find this apparent lack of accountability disturbing. In the first place, a proper summons form, instead of hand-written notes, should have been used to record the offences. The summons should state the offence committed and accompanying penalties, and be signed by both the officer and driver at the time of the incident.

 

Notice of offences should also include names of issuing officers, since there is little reason for them to operate behind an anonymous veil. Lastly, the authorities should at least explain their reasons for rejecting an appeal instead of just leaving the accused feeling a sense of injustice.

 

Such measures could impede the TP's efficiency that has for the large part served our nation so well. But surely, it is the lesser evil compared to the apparent free rein with which an officer could otherwise wield in issuing summons.

 

Are police officers infallible, incapable of human error or always beyond reproach? Why is there no transparency or system of checks of balances that can hold the officers in question responsible and accountable for their actions or subject their potential wrongdoings to scrutiny? Such a system opens doors for inconsistencies by which the law is enforced upon, and as such, can cause government agencies to lose credibility.

 

[Vratenza]

some how I have the tendency to believe the TP.........

 

maybe I am generalizing but there is one group of driver on the road whom believe that so long as they stick to the speed limit they have the right to be in the 1st lane and they change lane into the faster lane without due consideration to the approaching car's speed causing the car to brake...all the while totally oblivious to the danger they cause.

 

Guess that group of drivers....

 

 

I never thought I'll be doing this, but TP[thumbsup]

[Rncw]

http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.sg/ser...rousdriving.htm

 

read inconsiderate driving...

 

serves the driver right....many times they simply bochup about oncoming traffic behind and just change lanes...

Edited August 22, 2009 by Rncw

[Hondacub777]

Kuku driver lah.how could she knows that cars behind her never jam brake ?by the way,there are some drivers who are really kayu.when u slow down for them to overtake,they waited and waited until the car behind me also cant take it.sometimes,of coz u dun juz cut in,but at times,when overtake,u need a bit of estimation and skill to do that.

[Andrewl]

It would be interesting if TP is able to produce a video clip of what happened. =p though currently it seems to be a situation of my words vs his words.

[Safetyleo]

A driver switched his indicator to change lanes and did it so soon resulting in forcing the vehicle behind him to apply its brakes to avoid a collision. This is an example of inconsiderate driving.

 

This was exactly the driver was told by the officers, so it was inconsiderate driving, however, the officers could have informed the wrong penalty to the driver...inconsiderate driving costs $170, 9pts,...so comes with $150, 6pts...discounted already...still want to complain... The moral of the story is...we do not want to admit our fault, and think we are right at all times...

[Parkingidiot]

But isn't it strange that the traffic police stop someone, and do not issue a written summons?

 

"The officers did not issue anything in writing but said I would be penalized with three demerit points-my first ones in almost four years of driving-- and a fine of $120. I was told to wait for the summon in mail."

 

 

Since they went to the trouble of stopping the driver... why not immediately issue a summons on the spot? No need to write the amount of demerits or fine$$ if not sure, just write that they accused has been stopped and warned. Official printed summon to come in post. It would avoid all kinds of disputes as shown above.

 

Is it possible the TP have issued so many summons that day, that they have run out of summons forms??

 

[So_nice]

wahaha. this type of driver whom thinks she is the king of the road shall be removed.

[Atonchia]

for the TP.

 

[So_nice]

maybe not enough summon? lol. anyway main aim of stopping the driver is to ascertain the particulars so he/she cannot get ghost driver to cover up

[Locknload]

Hi. Any bros interested to buy $320 worth of Shangrila dining vouchers? I'm only selling them for $250 dollars. Vouchers expires on 18 Aug 2010. Can be used at The Line, BLU, Shang Palace, Nadaman and Rose Veranda. Drop me a sms at 97434856 if you are interested.

 

Don't tink so.....only if these vouchers can offset TP fines and validity can be extended till end 2010.

[Aimnfire]

hmmm

should take a pinch of a salt

 

my case about 2 years ago

those living in Punggol are having nighmares exiting into TPE towards airport every morning.

or me that particular morning i manage to filter into the expressway. i was behind a factory bus in the left lane after entering the expressway.

as traffic is crawling every morning, i'm not surprise to see 1 nissan latio with almost the same colour (red) as my car chiong the road shoulder only to jam brake and quickly filter into the expressway infront of the bus and proceed hurriedly trying to get to the extreme right while traffic was really heavy.

 

i talk to my OC as i said bloody kiasu and inconsiderate driver. at last i know why the car chiong and force itself to get quickly into the extreme right.

futher up 2 traffic police is waiting to see who travelling on the road shoulder.

 

guess what.....my car number was being note down. and as expected i received the summons for travelling in the expressway. i went to their hq to appeal and let the officer hear my story. he said "u mean my officer made a mistake?. if you not happy dont pay the summons and wait for court letter lor"

 

from that day i really lost my respect for our TP.

[Furrynadz]

most of these are just out to disturb ppl for fun

i lost respect for any thing police related long ago

 

[Redplanet]

Hi. Any bros interested to buy $320 worth of Shangrila dining vouchers? I'm only selling them for $250 dollars. Vouchers expires on 18 Aug 2010. Can be used at The Line, BLU, Shang Palace, Nadaman and Rose Veranda. Drop me a sms at 97434856 if you are interested.

 

 

Pls lah, post this in the correct folder. EM never teach u to follow procedures isit?

[AndrewLee72]

Guys, try if 1 x Ferarri or Lambo do the travel on road shoulder - see the "clowns" dare to summon or not - if yes - tell u lah the driver just ask big lawyer shoot 1 letter to them - case closed! Tada!!!!

To AimnFire - well if - just if somebody in yr shoes can part with some $ - engaged some big lawyers and fight the case till then end lah - but then again - it may be a case of "penny wise - pond folish" Eg : next day I strike bi ToTo 1Mil - maybe will enaged lawyer fight all the way whahahaha

[Jho0001]

Same thing happen to me around the same time...I was not pulled over, just received a fine through the post "careless driving" reason, insufficient indicating while changing lane causing the car being the brake.

 

I may of made a mistake, but I can not be certain, what I do know is that I always indicate and always check mirrors and look over my shoulder when changing lane.....may be the car behind tried to close the gap while I was changing lane, who knows??? it does happen a lot here.

 

I appealed the 6 demerit points and 150buck fine but it was rejected....whether they have photographic/ video evidence I do not know?

 

Like I said maybe I did make an error in judgement or maybe I didnt but I do feel victimized considering the number of drivers I come across everyday who do not indicate, who drift across 2 lanes, motorcyclists who ride between cars which are not stationary, police who use mobile phones, the list goes on.

 

Oh well, life goes on.

 

 

[Redplanet]

hmmm

should take a pinch of a salt

 

my case about 2 years ago

those living in Punggol are having nighmares exiting into TPE towards airport every morning.

or me that particular morning i manage to filter into the expressway. i was behind a factory bus in the left lane after entering the expressway.

as traffic is crawling every morning, i'm not surprise to see 1 nissan latio with almost the same colour (red) as my car chiong the road shoulder only to jam brake and quickly filter into the expressway infront of the bus and proceed hurriedly trying to get to the extreme right while traffic was really heavy.

 

i talk to my OC as i said bloody kiasu and inconsiderate driver. at last i know why the car chiong and force itself to get quickly into the extreme right.

futher up 2 traffic police is waiting to see who travelling on the road shoulder.

 

guess what.....my car number was being note down. and as expected i received the summons for travelling in the expressway. i went to their hq to appeal and let the officer hear my story. he said "u mean my officer made a mistake?. if you not happy dont pay the summons and wait for court letter lor"

 

from that day i really lost my respect for our TP.

 

 

So the end of story? U paid up?