Police Traffic Control

[t0ny99]

I rack up around 20k a year, and on several occasions have had the need to get in touch with the five-oh whilst on driving (ladder across 2 lanes of the M3, tree across both lanes of an a-road...brown trouser moment, fake Police car on the M4, etc). This has always involved a longwinded and complex series of conversations with the operator and subsequent control centres.

What's the answer - is there a central number to call, do I just call the operator and ask for traffic control, what has everyone else done in similar situations?

[7db]

You may find this useful - posted recently in response to the same question on 5-0.

www.5ive-o.org/forum/showpost.php?p=101801&postcount=18


There is no national number (apart from 999). The incidents you decribe sound like 999 calls to me (life/property in danger in first two, criminal still on the scene in second), however, I keep my local nick's number in the phone and ask the message to be passed along whenever I have a non-urgent issue to report.

[bluepolarbear]

when I came across a 3ft concrete post in the outside lane of the M42 I rang 999. No problems, took the call and within about 5 mins saw a police car ton up in the opposite direction which I assume was on its way to the post.

[Big Fat F'er]

A very dear and accomodating lady friend of mine once rang up the local nick, to report finding a Donkey in her back garden (I jest not).

It was going well until they asked for her name, and she truthfully replied Miss Farmer.

They never turned up....g*ts!

[streaky]

7db said:

There is no national number (apart from 999).

And 112 - Streaky

[Flat in Fifth]

t0ny99 said:

What's the answer - is there a central number to call, do I just call the operator and ask for traffic control, what has everyone else done in similar situations?

There is a thread somewhere relating this incident but last year just before Christmas out for a walk when spotted something suss which turned out to be a break in progress, suspects still on premises.

Mobile connected me to SP call centre which was nowhere near where I was, not even in same county, still on phone to force control when beat car arrived. Collars felt.

Homeowner later called round to say thanks with a bottle as their Christmas was saved.

Obviously it helps if you know where you are geographically. While you are in the process of calling or even before doing so try and establish landmarks and other info which might help.

As I understand it from a mobile if you dial 112 it connects direct to the emergency call centre over riding all other calls in priority. 999 almost the same but in case of extreme system load it is just another call from the network viewpoint.

Imo there is a need for a national "not an emergency yet but you ought to be aware" type of number.

FiF

[7db]

You can dial 08 as well.

Except I've just tried that and it doesn't work (ie doesn't unlock my phone) is that just a US thing.

Can you have a senior moment in your thirties?