NSW police officer intentionally hiding on busy road fines speeding drivers — sneaky or justified?
- Replies 47
A Sydney policeman was captured in a photo hiding behind a pole on the busy King George’s Road. The officer was supposedly trying to catch and fine drivers going above the speed limit.
It was said that school zones were in place at the time, meaning that the speed limit was brought down to 40 km/h.
The picture, posted on Facebook, sparked a debate among Aussies on the social media platform.
Many thought the police officer, who was not wearing his hi-vis uniform, was being ‘sneaky.’ Others speculated that his actions were a scheme to issue fines to unknowing drivers and generate revenue for the police.
There were doubts about whether spotting speeding drivers this way prevents accidents in school zones.
‘Him hiding with a camera doesn't physically nor effectively slow the car down that is speeding,’ a Facebook user reasoned, ‘God forbid a child gets hit by a car, how much can him being there prevent it from happening? It's purely to raise money.’
Some Aussies thought that the policeman’s actions were ‘disgraceful.’ Credit: Facebook/Yahoo News
Others also pointed out that the police officer was committing a fineable offence of his own — his motorcycle was blocking a footpath.
A reply to the Facebook post said: ‘I am certain it is illegal to obstruct a pedestrian walkway with a motor vehicle, let alone park on a footpath.’
Another person commented, ‘So the point of this is that to enforce the law, the police knowingly break the law making an utter mockery of the entire process.’
It’s probably not the best safety message.
The officer did not have to hide to do his job, some Aussies argued. Being deliberately discreet while on duty could easily be taken as ‘grubby’ and ‘disgraceful’.
But not everyone has agreed. Others considered the policeman’s actions to be justified, especially when children’s safety was at risk.
‘I’m sure I’m the only one that slows down to 40 in a school zone, so I hope he catches a few,’ someone wrote.
‘Just slow down,’ some said, implying that it was the easy but also right thing to do.
The NSW Police, notified of the incident, defended the officer. A spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that Blakeshurt, where the road is located, is ‘over-represented in speed-related crashes.’
The law enforcement agency also justified the officer’s choice to hide behind a pole and park their motorcycle on a footpath.
According to the NSW police, its officers employ different strategies to enforce speed limits and catch offenders. Being in the force subjects them to some exemptions as well in the performance of their duties.
It also makes sense for officers to stay near their vehicles. According to the police, it is for their officers’ safety. It also allows them to respond quickly in case of emergencies.
What do our SDC members think? Is the policeman justified in his actions? Let us know in the comments below.
It was said that school zones were in place at the time, meaning that the speed limit was brought down to 40 km/h.
The picture, posted on Facebook, sparked a debate among Aussies on the social media platform.
Many thought the police officer, who was not wearing his hi-vis uniform, was being ‘sneaky.’ Others speculated that his actions were a scheme to issue fines to unknowing drivers and generate revenue for the police.
There were doubts about whether spotting speeding drivers this way prevents accidents in school zones.
‘Him hiding with a camera doesn't physically nor effectively slow the car down that is speeding,’ a Facebook user reasoned, ‘God forbid a child gets hit by a car, how much can him being there prevent it from happening? It's purely to raise money.’
Some Aussies thought that the policeman’s actions were ‘disgraceful.’ Credit: Facebook/Yahoo News
Others also pointed out that the police officer was committing a fineable offence of his own — his motorcycle was blocking a footpath.
A reply to the Facebook post said: ‘I am certain it is illegal to obstruct a pedestrian walkway with a motor vehicle, let alone park on a footpath.’
Another person commented, ‘So the point of this is that to enforce the law, the police knowingly break the law making an utter mockery of the entire process.’
It’s probably not the best safety message.
The officer did not have to hide to do his job, some Aussies argued. Being deliberately discreet while on duty could easily be taken as ‘grubby’ and ‘disgraceful’.
But not everyone has agreed. Others considered the policeman’s actions to be justified, especially when children’s safety was at risk.
‘I’m sure I’m the only one that slows down to 40 in a school zone, so I hope he catches a few,’ someone wrote.
‘Just slow down,’ some said, implying that it was the easy but also right thing to do.
The NSW Police, notified of the incident, defended the officer. A spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that Blakeshurt, where the road is located, is ‘over-represented in speed-related crashes.’
The law enforcement agency also justified the officer’s choice to hide behind a pole and park their motorcycle on a footpath.
According to the NSW police, its officers employ different strategies to enforce speed limits and catch offenders. Being in the force subjects them to some exemptions as well in the performance of their duties.
It also makes sense for officers to stay near their vehicles. According to the police, it is for their officers’ safety. It also allows them to respond quickly in case of emergencies.
What do our SDC members think? Is the policeman justified in his actions? Let us know in the comments below.
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