Traffic Officer’s language
Sir,, — While riding my bicycle home last Wednesday evening, I was stopped by a traffic officer riding a motorcycle. He approached me from behind and I was asked to show him my lights.. Unfortunately my back light had stopped working between my departure and being stopped by the officer concerned. He then suggested I ride upon the footpath or, and I quote, “someone would have his nose up your arse.” This language and its use in this situation is appalling. The officer in question misused his position to inflict verbal abuse and this is inexcusable. The Ministry of Transport and its officers are anxious to be taken seriously by the public. However, derision continues to be directed at them despite their helpfulness in accidents. Small wonder when incidents of this nature occur as frequently as I gather they do from my circle of
friends and acquaintances. — Yours, etc., R. MCNEUR. April 28, 1981. [Mr D. K.. Watson, Chief Traffic Officer, Waimairi Traffic District, Ministry of Transport, replies: “The alleged use of such a phrase to emphasise the possible danger of riding a bicycle without a tail light is not condoned by the Ministry. The correspondent has laid a formal complaint with the Ministry, and the result of the investigation will be conveyed to the person personally.”]
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Bibliographic details
Press, 19 May 1981, Page 22
Word Count
219Traffic Officer’s language Press, 19 May 1981, Page 22
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