I WAS almost hit by a sport utility vehicle at a pedestrian crossing last week when the driver failed to stop even though I was already making my way across the road.
I immediately called the Traffic Police to report the incident.
However, the Traffic Police number that I called provided only a series of self-service messages and guidelines, without allowing me to speak with any officer.
Even though I did not want to use the police emergency number 999 initially, I had no choice but to call that number.
The officer who took my call was kind and patient. He took down the details and promised to relay them to the Traffic Police.
I subsequently read on the Traffic Police website that members of the public may also call 999 to report traffic emergencies that require immediate police attention.
I do not understand why the Traffic Police would cease their hotline and not let the public report traffic offences to them directly.
Wouldn't asking people to report traffic offences via the 999 number be using up resources that could be deployed for more urgent matters?
Luo Siao Ping
I immediately called the Traffic Police to report the incident.
However, the Traffic Police number that I called provided only a series of self-service messages and guidelines, without allowing me to speak with any officer.
Even though I did not want to use the police emergency number 999 initially, I had no choice but to call that number.
The officer who took my call was kind and patient. He took down the details and promised to relay them to the Traffic Police.
I subsequently read on the Traffic Police website that members of the public may also call 999 to report traffic emergencies that require immediate police attention.
I do not understand why the Traffic Police would cease their hotline and not let the public report traffic offences to them directly.
Wouldn't asking people to report traffic offences via the 999 number be using up resources that could be deployed for more urgent matters?
Luo Siao Ping
