Updated: 09/30/2013 23:17 | By Channel NewsAsia
Traffic Police's auxiliary officers issue 3,612 summonses in 5 months
SINGAPORE: The Traffic Police's Auxiliary Police Officers (APO) issued 3,612 summonses to errant road users between April and August this year.
These were for offences ranging from beating red lights, making unauthorised U-turns, and failing to follow directional signs.
A Channel NewsAsia crew went along on a regular patrol on Monday and saw 11 summonses being issued within three hours.
Five were issued to drivers who beat the red light, and six for heavy vehicles driving on residential roads when they are prohibited from doing so as their unladen weight exceeds the limit allowed on these roads.
The Traffic Police says it has deployed some 50 trained auxiliary officers as part of initiatives under its enforcement thrust.
Along West Coast Way, for example, residents had complained of heavy vehicles plying the route, concerned it may endanger children. The Traffic Police says it has deployed APOs to the area. The situation has improved since April and complaints from residents have also decreased.
Commanding Officer of the Traffic Police’s Patrol Unit, Choy Chan Hoe, said: "With the Auxiliary Police Officers on board, this will free up some of our officers to concentrate more on the serious violations, such as inconsiderate and careless driving." - CNA/ec
