Driver Location Signs - Whats the point?
Discussion
I had to phone up today to report something that had happened whilst I was driving, it warranted a 999 call as it was dangerous. I got straight on the phone and noted the next marker sign. I told the 999 lady I was driving a car and had seen X happening and was very dangerous. She agreed, and asked where it was happening and I told them just before XXX marker sign.
The 999 lady didn't have a clue and started asking where am I by which point in a few miles down an unfamiliar area of motorway. Again, told her the sign I saw it at and the sign I was at and she didn't get it. 'I'm sorry but I don't know what that is and I can't see that on my database. Where was it again?'
In the end I told her I'm driving a car down the MXX, just passed JX but what I'm reporting is miles behind me now as she was wasting time. I then got a little annoyed and said what's the point in having the damn signs if the operators didn't have a clue what they were or how to use them? She said she didn't know so I said she needs to do some homework but I need to get back to driving and then hung up
I was properly annoyed by this point and couldn't help but think there was somebody who needed assistance which they couldn't get because the 999 operator didn't know what a mile marker or driver location sign was or know how to find out where it was on her 'database'.
What is the point in having them if the emergency services don't have access to them?
Sorry for rant. Just annoyed me.
The 999 lady didn't have a clue and started asking where am I by which point in a few miles down an unfamiliar area of motorway. Again, told her the sign I saw it at and the sign I was at and she didn't get it. 'I'm sorry but I don't know what that is and I can't see that on my database. Where was it again?'
In the end I told her I'm driving a car down the MXX, just passed JX but what I'm reporting is miles behind me now as she was wasting time. I then got a little annoyed and said what's the point in having the damn signs if the operators didn't have a clue what they were or how to use them? She said she didn't know so I said she needs to do some homework but I need to get back to driving and then hung up
I was properly annoyed by this point and couldn't help but think there was somebody who needed assistance which they couldn't get because the 999 operator didn't know what a mile marker or driver location sign was or know how to find out where it was on her 'database'.
What is the point in having them if the emergency services don't have access to them?
Sorry for rant. Just annoyed me.
ashleyman said:
lord trumpton said:
Must admit I've got no idea where MXX JX is either
Was trying to keep it anonymous but if you're going to be pedantic I was on the M25 just past J13Or is that a secret too?
Maybe for a 999 operator "clockwise just before junction 13 of the M25" is enough to give him/her enough information to inform the emergency services or the Highways Agency "appropriately". Perhaps your additional information would be useful to XXX but for their purposes J13 M25 is enough to get the ball rolling.
Or maybe the country has gone to the dogs.
I can't help thinking any 999 responder could be exposed to all manner of calls across just about any subject under the Sun on any given shift.
I'm sure location markers are useful to many.
Dangerous situation near Staines? Sure there must be joke potential there...
Or maybe the country has gone to the dogs.
I can't help thinking any 999 responder could be exposed to all manner of calls across just about any subject under the Sun on any given shift.
I'm sure location markers are useful to many.
Dangerous situation near Staines? Sure there must be joke potential there...
scenario8 said:
Maybe for a 999 operator "clockwise just before junction 13 of the M25" is enough to give him/her enough information to inform the emergency services or the Highways Agency "appropriately". Perhaps your additional information would be useful to XXX but for their purposes J13 M25 is enough to get the ball rolling.
I would agree but at the time I didn't know where I was. I had to wait until I saw a sign or something that wasn't just M25 clockwise.ashleyman said:
lord trumpton said:
Must admit I've got no idea where MXX JX is either
Was trying to keep it anonymous but if you're going to be pedantic I was on the M25 just past J13Seriously though I don't think anybody uses mile markers anymore and I'm sure many people don't even know there are arrows telling them which direction to walk to the nearest emergency phone.
Edited by cuprabob on Tuesday 25th July 22:37
The OP's experience is almost word for word the same as mine when I reported something, this time on the M5, lorry lost a wheel which was lying in the carriageway, vehicle down the road a bit half into lane 1.
This was a few months after those location signs had been introduced, so at the time could sort of understand not being familiar with the situation. Years later for the situation to be the same is extremely disappointing.
In fact it's worse, if they're saying that the best thing is to stop on the hard shoulder and use a phone, that's the most dangerous place to be, then wind in the removal of hard shoulder to running lanes and refuges a mile or more apart.
Very poor, not fit for purpose.
This was a few months after those location signs had been introduced, so at the time could sort of understand not being familiar with the situation. Years later for the situation to be the same is extremely disappointing.
In fact it's worse, if they're saying that the best thing is to stop on the hard shoulder and use a phone, that's the most dangerous place to be, then wind in the removal of hard shoulder to running lanes and refuges a mile or more apart.
Very poor, not fit for purpose.
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