Other motorists have been startled by a cleaning van with a decal that resembles the checkered pattern on police cars.
On Tuesday, a picture of a Renault Trafic with a striking blue and white design covering the sides and rear was shared on social media.
Drivers in Williamstown in Melbourne’s bayside region have been stunned by the van after mistaking the business vehicle for a police van.
It “grabbed attention, but not for the right reasons,” one motorist remarked.
This couldn’t possibly be legal, can it? How does this tradesman’s car differ from a police car? The caption on their post read.
They said, “Should have been charged and changed a long time ago.”
Another driver complained, “I’ve passed [this vehicle] on the freeway a couple of times and had a mini heart attack each time.”
A driver claimed, “[This van] made me slow down to 60.”
Others who commented agreed that it was an effective technique to control traffic.
One remarked, “Good if it makes even one muppet stop speeding and actually keep left unless overtaking.”
Another commenter added, “Great for exposure/advertising [but] also great for slowing down other cars.”
After checking with authorities, the person who submitted the photo reversed course and realized the design was “legit.”
The driver said that “[Police] were aware of the vehicle and in fact had to consult lawmakers to determine the legality of the decals.”
Officers at the station were unaware of the full scope of the statute.
It is legal, but there were enough doubts about it that even VICPOL members sought clarification.
But it’s legal, so keep going, fair play!
The van was “completely compliant,” according to local authorities, and did not violate the Victorian Police Act.
The van’s design, according to Williamstown police, is a “nice deterrent” to motorists.
Jason Thurley, the van’s owner, uses it to operate his JT Services company in Melbourne’s Williamstown neighborhood.
Since changing the design a year ago, he has had a lot more calls, so he decided on the pattern to make his business stand out.
I pondered, “What sparks people’s attention?” stated Mr. Thurley.
To be honest, it has more than paid for itself several times over.
But Mr. Thurley, who was employed by Victoria Police from 2010 to 2014, didn’t anticipate that the new appearance would make cars drive more slowly.
If I can accomplish two goals at once, gain some business, and slow down traffic at the same time, that’s even better.
Online users kept making jokes about the popular post during this time.
It’s alright, this police cruiser is white and blue instead of the usual blue and white, one said.
I wonder whether his rocky history finally caught up with him. another wrote.
Another chuckled, “He and his former employer have a very chequered history.”
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