Ascension : FROM THE CONSTABLES DESK
Submitted by The Islander (Nathan Prince) 30.11.2006 (Article Archived on 14.12.2006)
In the absence of appropriate legislation on the use of the Radar Speed gun, the detachment has introduced the Speed Monitor 111 Advisory Sign as an alternative speed- claming measure.
The Speed Monitor controls speeding problems in the most acceptable citizen friendly way. The instrument is portable and can be moved to a required location where speeding is a problem. The monitor can be left unattended which does not tie up an officer in the process. The monitor has a visible and operating range up to 150 metres or 500 feet. This is the approximate distance that the 12 inch high intensity LED sign can inform drivers of their speed. The monitor is calibrated and when set up for the operation, a tuning fork test by striking the tuning fork and placing it in front of the antenna. The unit should indicate the speed stamped on the tuning fork. The instrument will be set up at a location visible to the motorists from a reasonable distance. Driver confidence in the speed display is enhanced because it uses the approached –only radar which eliminates false speeds generated by opposite direction traffic. A typical example of how the instrument operates, for instance if you are travelling on a road where the speed limit is 20mph. When approaching the Speed Monitor it will display the actual speed you are travelling and if you are exceeding the speed limit, which will then prompt you to slow down and comply with the speed limit. Speeding is a problem on the island and contributing factor to the cause of some Road Traffic Accidents. SLOW DOWN. We are anticipating purchasing a modern Radar Speed Gun, where new legalisation will be enacted.
Throughout this year we have been carrying out vehicle road side checks. From the month of April to November there have been twenty four (24) recorded Road Traffic Accidents, six of which were drink drive related, the remainder as a result of driving without due care and attention or dangerous driving. The Police will continue to carry out vehicle road side checks in order to reduce the number of Road traffic accidents/offences.
There has been a case whereby a person was driving a motor vehicle on a road without a valid driving licence. The case resulted in conviction for driving a motor vehicle on road not covered by a Policy of Insurance in relation to the use of that vehicle. Drivers are reminded that before using a motor vehicle on a road, you must be in possession of a valid driving licence. If you are found to be driving and not being the holder of a valid licence, than the insurance for the use of that vehicle will automatically be invalidated. The licensing section will continue to issue reminders, but the onus is on you to ensure that your drivers licence is updated.
The Police have received and dealt with a number of reports of stolen items mainly power tools, recently a burglary was committed at the AMIS shop Georgetown whereby a sum of money was stolen. Photographs of stolen property have been posted around the island and at your workplace. If you have any information regarding these burglaries or someone have tried to sell you something which is suspected stolen, you can contact the Police Department on telephone number 6412 or if you wish to remain anonymous then you can call the confidential crime line 6777. Any information given will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Have a pleasant month,
Carlyn P Yon
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