Dear Editor,

I was driving west along Regent street, when I obeyed the traffic light at the junction of Regent Street and Ave. of the Republic to stop. After some time not seeing the directional arrow to turn south on Ave. of the Republic I asked a fellow motorist alongside me whether the particular lights were working and he advised me to proceed with the southward traffic. This I decided to do but unfortunately, the pedestrian light to cross over the Ave.of the Republic came on and I was greeted by a waiting policeman who directed me to pull into the kerb.

He was calm and polite as he informed me of the offence that I’d committed. I explained that I was awaiting the light and thought that there was none for turning. He stated something about the overhead light was working but in my traumatized state anticipating a charge, the first in my umpteen years of driving, I did not understand what he had said. I admitted that I did not knowingly commit the offence. Eventually he allowed me to go with a warning for which I am grateful.

I decided on reaching home to ground myself but not before calling the Traffic Department where another polite female officer lectured to me about the overhead light which she said is the only one that gives the directional turning signals and not the one on the ground which indicates onward traffic. I also called the Ministry of Works and was told the same thing. So I decided to test a few of my friends and they too were not aware of the location of that overhead light.

I wish that you would educate the public on this reading of turning signs i.e left and right and to commend the young officer for using discretion and displaying a courteous manner.

Yours faithfully,

(name and address supplied)