Civilians shouldn't direct traffic, police chief says

Thanks, but no thanks.

People who try to direct traffic at times like last month's power blackout mean well, but Police Chief Bob Davies says it's dangerous and it's also against the law.

"They're putting themselves in a pretty precarious situation in terms of liability," the chief told SooToday.com in an interview yesterday.

On August 23, the Sault Star ran a front-page article extolling a former security guard who got out of his vehicle and directed traffic at Black Road and McNabb during the massive power outage of August 14.

"He’s only one of many volunteers who offered his services in the Sault to make life a little more comfortable for those in need during the massive blackout," the newspaper remarked.

The article did not include comment from the police.

The issue of civilians trying to control traffic wasn't raised in a 'debriefing' report about the power outage issued by police yesterday.

When specifically asked by SooToday.com about the practice, Chief Davies acknowledged that such citizens are well-meaning Good Samaritans, but he doesn't want them trying to do the work of traffic cops.

"It's against the law. No one other than a police officer is allowed to direct traffic through signal lights," Chief Davies said.

To read more about the 'debriefing' report issued by police yesterday, please click here.