On the 060802 Friday evening. 2345hrs
3 TP bike was camping at Raffles Bvld after the bend towards ECP
just after bus stop. The traffic police wore long sleeve blue from
top to bottom.
Traffic was heavy, and slow.
The TP stop ALL BIKE SPOTTED. CLASS 2 bike were let go after
awhile. The others class 2a and 2b riders were all told to
surrender their IC, Insurance and Driving license. After around
30mins, about 60 bikes was stopped and had their document
surrender.
5 more TP bike came down to the scene. Most of the bikers didnt
even had chance to speak to the officer or question by them as
there's too little TP but too many bikes held. The bike range from
CBR, GSX, S4, SP, Apprilla, Krr, FSX, Phantom, DT, XR even an old
suzuki GN125 I think.. etc... u name it u got it.
Around 12.05am 170802, All riders and pillion was told to start
their bike and in twos follow the TP back to their HQ at UBI. The
rider were all confused as the traffic police didnt even inform
them why we should follow them back and base on what charge. But as
all the riders' IC, License, Insurance were detain by the TP all
had no choice but to follow.
The convoy of 60 bikes of all kind moves off slowly from Raffles
Bvld to Ubi. The convoy hit the ECP at around 40-50km/h and was
stretch upto 2km long with only 8 TP bike escourt. The large convoy
taken up all the left lane on ECP and exit at Fort Road. Filter
lane were all block by TP and traffic light without camera were too
block by TP for the large convoy to move. The convoy was freaking
long imagine 60 bikes 2 by 2 taking up centre lane on Gullimard
road.
At the TP HQ, riders were called 1 by 1 and were than told that the
TP is going to impound their bike and awaits LTA inspection as they
were being suspected of having illegal modification. They were
given the date for the inspection. Some were lucky to have the date
early this few days but the latter got to wait upto a week or 2. No
one was spared everyone's bike was impounded. No excuse or
reasoning, they just dun bother abt why u were there.
After the rider pushed their bike to the impound compound parking
and surrender of bike key, They were allowed to leave and report
back the day stated in the notice given.
Speaking to some of the "Victim" I learnt some had just finish
movie with gf and was just going to send the pillion back. Some had
just finish work ard suntec area and was going for supper. Most
were wondering why they were all unlucky.
Did the TP consider the factors that in this convoy there were alot
of 'P' plates and how many riders are comfortable and confident in
riding in such a long big convoy with close following distance. No
briefing was given before moving off and riders do not know the
reason of going to TP HQ and route of advancement.
Though the convoy was slow but the leading TP bike travelles at
irregulate speed, and occasion do fast acceleration. How can so
many riders from different part and different riding style keep up
with the unfamiliar speed of travelling. Everyones was not familiar
with each other riding style some were going fast and close some
were slow and keep a safe following distance.
We have seen lots of tragic incidence occurs during large convoy
riding and realise the importance of safety detail planing and
briefing. I am very surprise by the TP decision & act in this
incident.
As the bike got impounded some though a few days and some a week or
2 but no doubt it definately would cause great in-convenience to
the "victims". Imagine those stay in Sembawang and study in NTU,
How about those leaving in the EAst and work in the far west? HOw
many of them lost their income this weekend from the lost of use of
transport?
If during an accident, the "victim" can cliam lost of transport.
Than in this case if we were proven innotcent after the LTA
inspection can where can we make our loss claim from.
The TP definately has the right to take all the action listed
above, but is their action in this particular incident justifiable?
What is their rational behind it? Why did they target all Class 2a
and 2b bikes? Why did they suspect all had illegal modification
when they didnt even take a good look or even start the engine of
most of the bikes or even question the rider.
Can someone enlighten me and also if u happens to be the "victim"
too pls reply ur views. Thanks you
