Why aren't you out catching real criminals?

Top traffic officer answers drivers

AFTER a bombardment of criticism aimed at the police, one traffic officer has stuck his head above the trenches to return fire.

Inspector Steve Higgs, of Sussex Police's traffic division, has answered some of the most common, sarcastic questions asked by drivers when stopped.

The traffic inspector stated that many perceived the police as wasting tax payers' money by carrying out routine checks on cars.

In an attempt to dispel common misconceptions about the police, Insp Higgs provided these answers for car check complainants.

• Why aren't you out catching real criminals?

'Criminals do not normally walk down the road wearing striped shirts and carrying a bag marked swag...they use vehicles.

'Being able to stop vehicles as part of our normal duties gives us a unique opportunity to talk to and question thousands of road users every year.

• Haven't you got anything better to do?

'No. Almost everything we do is aimed at reducing casualties and death on the road.

'It is up to the police to enforce the legislation which has been put in place to help reduce the risk to all road users.

• Can't you let me off with a warning?

'This one is usually the result of a speed or a seat belt check.

'The warning for speeding is usually written in black letters in a red circle, on a round sign.

'No one who wears a seat belt regularly forgets to put it on. If you are used to wearing one, then you know immediately that it feels strange not to be wearing it.'

• I had a mate who knew someone who died because he was trapped by his seat belt.

'For every one of these incidents, I can show you 5,000 who have been saved by wearing it.

• What can I do to avoid getting a ticket or a court appearance?

Don't break the law in the first place, then we can get on with catching real criminals.'