Make checkpoints known for drivers

The National Letters

MY letter is directed to the Road Transport Authority, Central Traffic Authority (CPTA) and the police to share some light.
On Jan 18, around 6.50pm, I was driving home with my son along Koura Road.
When descending from June Valley Hill top, I noticed police flashing lights indicating a checkpoint in front of the roundabout.
At the check, I was asked to produce my licence.
Upon review, the police reservist told me that with my class 4 licence, I was not allowed to drive smaller vehicle such as the utility I was driving.
I told him that 12 years ago when I passed my on-the-job-driving-training offered to aspiring female semi-trailer drivers, I was advised to drive any vehicle except for PMVs, forklift or other machines classified for class 7 licence.
I note that at other checkpoints, police or RTA would do an extensive check for registration, safety sticker and any defects such as light.
In this case, nothing of such occurred.
The reservist asked me to wait and he approached someone he referred to as “boss”.
The “boss” was adamant. He said I was driving a wrong vehicle.
I have been through many checkpoints set by RTA, but I was never told to change my licence classification.
Thinking I would be served with a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN), I got away!
My points are;

  • CAN RTA make known and publish licence classification and vehicle eligibility?;
  • I UNDERSTAND that all Christmas operations is now over so why there are still checkpoints, especially along Boe Vagi Road and Koura Way; and,
  • WHY are police using unmarked vehicles for such operations? These roads are isolated and criminals with police uniforms usually set up for drivers to fall victims.
    Can the police operational command look into these;
  • POLICE reservist to be re-deployed to doing regular foot beat and not perform duties such as road blocks. If their assistance is required, the station commander should place them with regular police, in a marked vehicle.
  • POLICE reservist to be issued with different colour uniform and have identification card to present to drivers at any road blocks. Or police should announced for road blocks for drivers to be aware.
  • CONFIRM a 24 hour Hotline number for anyone to call in such situation.

Police commander, please confirm whose responsibility it is to conduct checkpoints.
Can CPTA explain why class 4 drivers are refused licence renewal without a confirmation letter from their last employer?
Even after presentation of police and medical clearance.
Licence are personal property and a form of identification for employment purposes.
I hope someone out there would consider these points mentioned above and respond with feedbacks.

Boooring!!