Re: An English Law ?
Police actions were appropriate
Letter from Lau Kian Keong Assistant Director, Public Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force 04:45 AM Jul 30, 2011
We refer to Mr Ong Swee Huat's letter, "Taxi fare not paid, passenger goes free" (July 29). Our enquiry revealed that this was a dispute between Mr Ong and his passenger.
The officer handling the incident intervened in the dispute and prevented the situation from escalating. Both parties were also interviewed.
According to the passenger, she refused to pay the taxi fare, as Mr Ong took her to the wrong destination: Boat Quay instead of Boon Keng. The passenger provided the officer with valid contact details as well as her particulars, which were verified.
In the process, both parties were advised to keep the peace and to settle the matter amicably.
The failure to pay taxi fares falls under Section 24D of the Public Transport Council Act, Chapter 259B, which is a non-arrestable offence if the identities of the parties are known.
The police officer attending to the case had to act within the confines of the law. He, therefore, advised Mr Ong on how he could seek recourse on the unpaid fare from his taxi company.
Regarding his dispute with the passenger, he was informed that he could lodge a complaint before a magistrate should he wish to pursue the matter further. The magistrate, after considering the facts presented, may then direct the police to take further action in the case.?????
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110730-0000052/Police-actions-were-appropriate