Watch out, new rent-a-plod on the A55

[[AJ]]

BBC said:

The A55 corridor across north Wales is to trial patrols in marked vehicles by civilian staff with police powers to stop, control and direct traffic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8060469.stm

The BBC website makes no mention of powers to report or stop 'speeding' traffic, but it was mentioned on the news that this would also be part of their duties.

[rich_vw]

Ha ha noticed this myself earlier...it was the 'civilian staff with police powers to stop' that got me a little confused, stop for what I wonder, making rude hand gestures as I drive past lol

[94 WRX]

Traffic officers have very limited powers , they can implement rolling roadblocks , and close off lanes for repair / recovery operations but cannot stop you for traffic offences or hand out penalties / tickets but it is an offence not to do as they ask. Their role is to help the police clear up after incidents. A lot of drivers panic when they see " wombles " thinking they are the real police and won't pass them , causing more tailbacks . They park on overbridges and sliproads and cause panic braking .