Traffic Census hoax

[Free]

Recently I was driving when I saw a man in a yellow Hi-vis jacket ushering me off the main road into a layby along with several other vehicles behind me. Two police vehicles and a string of 'officials' were lined up to receive the incoming vehicles. I stopped alongside one of the officials. Prior to his first question I took the lead and asked "Please, can you tell me exactly why you are about to ask me questions on my movements?. The 'officials' response was.."I dont know its just a job for me".

So in this case I told him that since he couldnt tell me WHY he wanted to know who i was and where I'd come from and where I was going, I refused in advance to answer any questions.

After a brief pause and a look of some vacancy he waved me on without question.

I really enjoyed that moment.

It's amazing at just how easily we give out information about ourselves just because someone we do not know who appears to be 'official' asks us to do so. My actions were not pre meditated, merely a response to my inner feeling at that exact moment but it clearly demonstrates the power we all hold even if we're not concious of it.

FREE

[friendstacy]

funny how "authority" just vanishes into thin air like that...

great story!! thanks

[Highspirit]

Thank you for that story and you are absolutely right.

As an ex-police officer, I and colleagues would often ask for information from an individual knowing that we had no real basis in law to ask for that information. However, we never told the person that and they often volunteered details they never really needed too. If these people had refused than I knew I didnt have a leg to stand on. However, people being people they often answered the questions without thought of their right not to answer.

This tactic is widely practised and there is sometimes some over-bearing pressure put onto individuals to answer the questions. The tactic has it's place but can and is easily abused.

You were absolutely right to refuse to answer those questions. I hope more people learn from your experience.

[Free]

Why thank you Highspirit thats very kind of you to say.

Simply, had the representative told me it was to ascertain vital knowledge as to the usage in order to justify road improvements I'd have been more than happy to answer.

Free

[Sheddy]

You didn't have to go to those lengths.

You are obliged to stop for a Police Officer when requested, you do not have to answer the rod census questions, just tell them that you do not wish to talk to them. Job done.