THE EDITOR, Sir:
LAST WEEK I was stopped at the traffic lights at the junction of Tom Redcam Road and South Camp Road, in the right hand lane waiting to proceed down Marescaux Road, when I heard the siren of a police motorcyclist. He passed on my left between my car and other cars, and aggressively waved at me. Unaware of any wrongdoing I wondered what this was all about! More strange he was signalling to go forward on to South Camp Road on the red light, which I did.
Momentarily another motorcyclist also with siren blaring approached. This time I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a large black limousine with two Jamaican flags fluttering, approach at high speed. Now the picture was clear! Most likely the limousine was rushing to Gordon House, and with no regard for the red light swooped down Marescaux Road at high speed. I do hope the occupants had their seat belts fastened! The speed and the tinting of the windows made it impossible to identify the occupants.
Now the traffic lights changed and I was out on South Camp Road when the traffic comes across my path. I was in danger of being hit, but luckily only got a cussing from an oncoming driver who had not seen the policeman direct me there.
I am curious to know if the rules of the road permit politicians and dignitaries to travel at high speed through red traffic lights, overtaking heavy traffic, and generally acting as if their lives are in danger.
I have always been a law-abiding driver, and respect everyone's right to the road, but this behaviour shows a lack of respect and a bad example.
Better be a little late than be the cause of an accident!
I am, etc.,
R.C. MAUREEN LANIGAN
krla@cwjamaica
