Traffic Enforcement Group
Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 4:05 pm
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18 ... 45,00.html
Traffic squad to double in size
From:
April 30, 2006
POLICE Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan could more than double the size of WA's elite traffic squad, in a move that will cost motorists millions of dollars more in fines.
He said the expanded Traffic Enforcement Group would crack down on "appalling" WA drivers who were still speeding, drink-driving and not wearing seat belts.
The squad's 23 officers have handed out 46,000 fines of $50 to $600 since it was formed 14 months ago.
Senior police will hand Mr O'Callaghan a plan in weeks asking for a further 30 officers.
Mr O'Callaghan said he backed the proposal in principle, but needed to see the detail before committing.
He said it was about having a highly visible police presence and cutting the road toll -- not raising revenue.
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"This squad is doing a fantastic job, but we do need to up the ante," he said.
"We've got people who are well trained, well focused and doing a very good job. (With more officers) we'll have a constant flow of traffic patrol cars going up and down to try to reduce that road toll."
The squad has worked in the metropolitan area, but the extra officers would extend patrols to the country, where most road deaths occur.
The Sunday Times understands some senior police are angry with the proposal because the extra police would be pulled from the six metropolitan districts.
But Traffic and Operations Assistant Commissioner John McRoberts said he would take only district police already on traffic duties.
"Though the districts may be losing the people, the squad will still be available for tasking in the districts and that will be a far better co-ordinated approach," he said.
"Road users see people on their mobile phones. They see people going through red lights and stop signs. If we don't do something about it, people lose confidence in policing and confidence in the safety of our roads."
The RAC and WA Road Safety Council backed the plan. "People recognise that form of visible policing has a very strong deterrent factor," an RAC spokesman said.
Traffic squad to double in size
From:
April 30, 2006
POLICE Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan could more than double the size of WA's elite traffic squad, in a move that will cost motorists millions of dollars more in fines.
He said the expanded Traffic Enforcement Group would crack down on "appalling" WA drivers who were still speeding, drink-driving and not wearing seat belts.
The squad's 23 officers have handed out 46,000 fines of $50 to $600 since it was formed 14 months ago.
Senior police will hand Mr O'Callaghan a plan in weeks asking for a further 30 officers.
Mr O'Callaghan said he backed the proposal in principle, but needed to see the detail before committing.
He said it was about having a highly visible police presence and cutting the road toll -- not raising revenue.
Advertisement:
"This squad is doing a fantastic job, but we do need to up the ante," he said.
"We've got people who are well trained, well focused and doing a very good job. (With more officers) we'll have a constant flow of traffic patrol cars going up and down to try to reduce that road toll."
The squad has worked in the metropolitan area, but the extra officers would extend patrols to the country, where most road deaths occur.
The Sunday Times understands some senior police are angry with the proposal because the extra police would be pulled from the six metropolitan districts.
But Traffic and Operations Assistant Commissioner John McRoberts said he would take only district police already on traffic duties.
"Though the districts may be losing the people, the squad will still be available for tasking in the districts and that will be a far better co-ordinated approach," he said.
"Road users see people on their mobile phones. They see people going through red lights and stop signs. If we don't do something about it, people lose confidence in policing and confidence in the safety of our roads."
The RAC and WA Road Safety Council backed the plan. "People recognise that form of visible policing has a very strong deterrent factor," an RAC spokesman said.