ON Saturday afternoon, July 6, there was a scaffolder's lorry parked within the forbidden parking zone, beside the Zebra Crossing on St Cross Road, by Cannon Street, totally obscuring the view of anyone driving, from the city centre, of any pedestrians attempting to cross the road.  

There was no attempt being made to control traffic, no temporary traffic lights, it was merely an accident waiting to happen, so I sought the telephone number of Winchester Police Station to report the matter.  

Quite clearly, such a telephone number is considered either a matter of state security, since I was unable to find it published anywhere on the internet, or the police in Winchester have no wish to be disturbed, while supposedly on duty serving the public, in the warmth and comfort of their station – after all, it was a blustery, occasionally rainy day and I am sure there was some sport on the television to watch.

I'm a simple minded chap and I find it extraordinary that a public service, such as the police, should not be contactable on the telephone, by way of a published telephone number, when an emergency call is not appropriate. It is even more extraordinary that our government and our councils should allow such a situation to exist.

John Seager Green,

St Cross Road,

Winchester

In response the police said: 

There are a number of different ways members of the community can get in touch with us. Those wanting to contact us about general matters, as well as reporting non-emergency incidents or crimes, can use 101 or report online. Matters can also be reported in person at one of our police stations. Opening hours can be found on our website. https://www.hampshire.police.uk/contact/find-a-police-station/

If there is a danger to life, a crime is happening at that time, or has just happened, you have immediate concerns for safety or you see something suspicious that needs immediate attention then you should dial 999.

If you’d like to speak to your local neighbourhood officer, their details can be found via our website https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/local-bobbies/

In this situation, where it was deemed a vehicle was in a dangerous position with an immediate risk of serious injury, it could have been reported as an emergency via 999. However, the Local Authority should be the first point of contact for other traffic management and parking issues.

 

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