At 8am this morning, traffic from the Rotherhithe Tunnel was back all the way to Greenwich - a few miles.

The cause of this morning's holdup ? Another one of these ridiculous 'census'.

Do TfL believe they have the right to inconvenience motorists and then get answers from irate citizens ?

Adam, London,

I think the author of this should of just answered the questions instead of jumping on her high horse!

surveys are there to help us out.

The police officer would of been on duty at the time, but not rostered on his normal shift, so there are still some in the pot to protect her house, street!

Anthony, London, UK

It's surprising and shocking that TfL should be using Metropolitan Police officers to forcibly stop motorists in order to gather data in order to conduct its market research. The officers are apparently 'off-duty' but in uniform. Are they being paid, and if so how much? More investigation needed.

clive helm, london,

The officer is needed by law to require drivers to pull over, any information handed over is anonymous and not traceable back to an individual. The journey data is then used by LA's to choose on how to spend limited transport budgets to help travellers. Pulling over is mandatory, answering isn't.

Neil, Manchester, UK

Obviously Londoners and Ms Rose have not heard of Origin- Destination surveys in planning traffic, new routes, roads and so on....which eventually help to plan the traffic beter for the commuter.Did Ms Rose think the people stopping her were wasting their time? Columnists must make informed enquiry.

uday, Pune, India

Seems like we are paying for more jobsworths yet again! Absolutely right, if you dont want to give any info then you dont have to!

Ian, Bristol, UK

I think a lot of people are misunderstanding what Hilary Rose is saying.

The point of the matter is, TfL, or anyone else, should not be using the police to do their survey. If a policeman tells you to stop, you have to stop, so it should only be while they are doing their legal job to stop you.

Arthur, Newcastle,

The survey is being done to collect data for building traffic models. These improve traffic flow, and also check that development doesn't make the traffic situation worse. The traffic models mean that TfL can check their solution before building it. Co-operation makes life better for all.

Francis King, Bath, UK

In this case the Police Office abused his powers and should be prosecuted either for Misconduct in Public Office or False Imprisonment.

I hope that the Author has made a formal complaint.

The local authority should not be detaining people for the purposes of their transports survey.

Ed Wood, London, England (not Scotland!)

If you had helped, it would have been a much nicer day for you, for your questioner, and for everyone around both of you. Besides, it was cowardly to bully the person on the spot, and to brag to us about it. Complain to those that authorise these things, but be nice to the people you meet.

Simon Lowe, Sheffield, UK

My wife was stopped twice during one journey in Worthing. She was on the way to her job as a school teacher. Excuses for being late aren't accepted in such a job.
The same traffic points were also surveyed on a number of occassions resulting in friends warning others - do the stats account for this

Steve, worthing,

You're all so blinkered. Fortunately most people realise that to improve traffic conditions organisations like TfL need this information. People who moan about traffic surveys and don't cooperate are probably the people who moan first when the transport system breaks down. Let them get on with it.

Peter, Oxford,

I hope you ticked 'disagree strongly' for every single box, and took down their names and condact details for their supereors.

Could they be done for impresonating a police officer?

Ben, Hastinga,

Sadly, this has been going on for a good many years. I distinctly recall exactly such events 15 or 20 years ago.

There's not much point complaining or protesting. If we annoy the government, they will simply add one more law to the daily batch and compel us.

But I hate it too.

Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,

I worked as a student Engineer, with the planners on traffic surveys in Essex, 45 years ago, the reason was to improve local roads, maybe justify a bypass, definetily to make conditions better for persons using local roads. I cannot understand peoples unwillingness to spare a few minutes.

Bob, Aberdeen,

The police are intimidatory and deceitful, as here. Still, better extorting private information than shooting or mowing down innocent teenagers, I suppose.

Jan Thomas, Norttingham, England

To clarify the need for the presence of an uniformed Police Constable - they are required to direct traffic - no other person has the authority to carry out such an action unless it has been delegated to say a Highways Agency Traffic Officer.

Waste of resource - I cannot comment.

John Hotts, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Do None of you lot rely on cooperation to do your jobs?

RSI surveys are needed by transport planners to enable them to do their work. Police officers work extra hours to assist, as only they have the authority to stop traffic. Rubbish answers to surveys gets you the rubbish services you deserve.

Jacky, Bedford,

The obsequious attitude towards authority shown by Stewart, Thomas Swift and Isabelle should be a reminder to everyone that the UK's status as a free country can't be taken for granted, if it should ever again be put to the test...

JuliaM, Essex, UK

Perhaps the survey was well-intended, maybe it would have cost nothing to help, and the data collected both used and useful, but people are increasingly angry at instrusive & bossy officials and the way in which the police are deployed away from their core activities.

C Osborne, Tadworth, UK

TfL's job is to allow traffi to run as efficiently, safely and quickly as possible. It is none of their business what the traffic is for.

R Mason, London, UK

Come on Hilary. Which side of the bed did you get out of?
They weren't asking for "personal information" (your name etc) but simply conducting an anonymous survey to help out Londoners and visitors. Be glad they are taking a genuine interest.

Stewart, Mold, North Wales

Having exp. of such work, this article is biased.
Police = a legal requirement + ensure safe operation, being employed on days off. How else do you obtain data that is representative. Money is allocated according to such studies, thus you benefit.
Was your NIMBY car (a Prius?) journey neccesary?

Thomas Swift, London, London

This is a disgraceful waste of police time , probably outside their remit, and an inappropriate use of police powers. Why is taxpayers money being wasted in this way ? A further lurch towards a "big brother" society.

Michael Perman, London, UK

While you do have to stop for these Census takers (especially with the rent-a-cop there), you do NOT have to tell them the truth.

Be creative:
I told them I was driving from 10 Downing Street, SW1 to Bucking Palace, The Mall.
And that "Yes" my trip did involve using the M25.

;-)

Mark Hodson, Croydon, UK

I love taking part in such surveys. I go to the utmost trouble to give as many wrong and misleading answers as I can...!

Ian, Zurich,

Many years ago I was pulled over for one of these surveys, also with a policeman in attendance. When I was asked for my home address I refused to give it, and was threatened with arrest. I was young and green then and backed down. I won't do so again.

I wonder if I'll go to prison?

David Garfiel, London, UK

Do the police have a legal right or if not, do they need one?

Of course not, get used to it, and any more lip my boy and you'll be looking at a police cell.

Why, because this is a census in public safety and security and your failure to assist renders you a suspect terrorist.

Ho ho!

wullie, Luss, Scotland

Welcome to SS Great Britain! I am convinced that some of these stop-and-census exercises are a ruse to entrap 'wrongdoers', which could be anyone stupid enough to get stroppy with the police. Bingo, there goes your DNA! And the way they can say "sir" with such contempt is quite amazing.

Mike Mitchell, Spalding, England

Why cause yourself more bother than they have caused you .
Lie.Tell them a complete load of nonsense.Name ,rank and number and everything else - invent.
Mind dont get stroppy with the copper ( or his new census friend),
he will go over your car with a toothcomb to find a fault.

robert everitt, wolverhampton,

You were driving a car at a cost in excess of £0.55 per mile, in a city in which a bicycle is faster, cheaper and a lot more pleasant. A city which also has good public transport system. That was not a survey into road use, it was survey into your sanity.

Pete, Epping, UK

New labour, New 3rd reich more like it!

When will this trip down the road to an orwellian dystopia stop?

Or do we really have to go mad and vote BMP to get the goverment to wake up and smell the coffee?

Mr W Jones , Liverpool, England

Traffic Censuses are often a cause of complaint. Once pulled over, the Driver is under NO legal obligation to answer the Cencus Takers questions. I have been pulled over in the past by an Officer, and have refused to participate. There is nothing they can do about it.

B Clark, Chelmsford, England UK

Sorry folks, the police do have powers to stop drivers for roadside surveys, check the legislation..The point I am agrieved about is the need for these in the first place. There are other ways to gather the information, but TfL don't bother, it's much easier - be a pain to drivers!

David barrett, Rugby, UK

Coo what's everybody getting upset about?

With surveys, and when on business, tell them your trip is for pleasure, or vice versa. If you a going to place A, tell them you're going somewhere completely different. Been doing it for donkeys years.

Mike, London, U.K.

Just threaten to make a complaint about the individual officer. Ge tthier badge number and then they will not be able to move departments, get a pay rise, promotion or move forces until the complaint proceddure has been resolved. They simply wont risk this for a traffic survey.

Rob, Worcester,

In response to Roger of Ipswich's point, I am sure a lawyer specialising in Human Rights would be happy to look at this if presented with a client who wants to challenge it. No lawyer can bring legal proceedings in a vacuum.

Eleanor, London,

As it's London, they probably want to find out where you're going, so that they can find a way of stopping you. If they can't stop you they'll make you pay more.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Just a little reminder, a police officer is a police officer 24 hour a day 7 days a week all year round; on their "time off" they are asked to help out and as good citizen they do so. Could you just stop being so grumpy and answer the questions with a smile which will help you, the driver and user.

Isabelle, Norwich, Norfolk

Absolutely agree with RL Ruth - just tell lies to the survey.

William McIlhagga, Ilkley,

Of course you could ask under what Regulation you are being stopped under and ask what the police officer's identifying number is. Refuse to answer any questions until you have personally veriified the details of the surveyor and anyone else who is detaining you on a public highway.

Bina, London, UK

Under various Road Traffic Acts (dating back many years) drivers are required to stop for traffic surveys when directed to do so by the police, though they are not obliged to answer the survey questions.

Hilary Rose must have misunderstood TfL. The police officers would not have been off duty.

Edward , Windsor,

I think those comparing a traffic survey with fascist oppression need to get a grip, frankly. These reports are priceless, the results will help sway decisions that will reduce congestion. the petty narrow-mindedness of some drivers is staggering, calling traffic wardens "naxis" etc, good grief.

Dr Susan Porter, London, UK

"Is this really the best use of your time, Officer?" Probably a question for either the very brave, either that or someone who has plenty of time to watch the boys in blue crawl all over hiscar until they find something wrong with it - which they almost certainly will!

Paul, London,

You simply do not get it do you? This has absolutely nothing to do with surveys and everything to do with crime of one sort or another. The big roadside towers already take an electronic image of your numberplate and this is to reinforce the information needed to combat crime. I support this action.

Chris Coles, Medstead, Alton, United Kingdom

Stringer - wrong. It 's about proper use of police powers. Not appropriate here. Also, gives misleading impression there is a legal duty to give answers. Very adult to want clarity when faced by officialdom. Clearly you're a 'nothing to hider'. Ok, volunteer your personal data. Others want privacy.

C Osborne, Tadworth, UK

Politely tell the policeman that you don't wish to take the survey and your travel is important, requiring you not to be delayed against your will. Key word here is "politely". The "attitude test" is, get stroppy and you will be hassled. If unhelpful, remember the PC's number and write to the Chief.

Keith Lawson, Poole, UK

Another example of our malign and pernicious beaurocratic state. This is getting worse with every passing day.

Shamus Bean, Somerton, UK

This situation seems to me to be one for the DO GOODERS
There again they would not be interested
It will NOT give them much publicity

A Hammond, Egham, Surrey

Refusing to answer will only prolong the survey thus affecting more drivers. Surely better to invent answers to fill the questionaire with perhaps a few nonsense answers towards the end resulting in a frustrated surveyor scrapping it, ending subsequently with an exhausted supply of paperwork.

R.F.Ruth, Brentwood, UK

I once was held up in traffic in B'ham for two hours under exactly same circumstances. When I queried the logic of the surveyor and the police I was aasked if I would care to continue the conversation in a police cell.

Authority can question you, but you may not question authority

KP, London,

Being a part of society means giving a little something back. Of course many motorists feel that once in their vehicles they are no longer a part of society and that they should be free to behave as they wish, hence the need for a police presence! Behave like an adult and stop stamping your feet.

Clive Stringer, Eggesford, England

Possibly better than refusing to provide information, and much more fun, would be to tell the questioner that your attempting to drive on every road in the country - a lifelong ambition.

I love answering shopping mall surveys when abroad; "how far have you to come here sir?" "4000 miles" :)

Paul, Milton keynes,

Could somebody please draw this to the attention of Boris? Lets see if the new Mayor can stop it.

Peter, Newbury, UK

It's an interesting problem: To be able to make realistic plans for future traffic improvements you need to know where people want to get between and why. The huge CCTV network is still nowhere near the wide coverage that would be needed to get this information without asking people.

Andy, Rayleigh,

Off duty? Then surely they don't have the right to pull people over. And are they being paid for moonlighting? Can they be charged for impersonating a police officer?

Bob travels, stevenage,

And is she lodging a formal complaint with the police? Is she asking for compensation? If off-duty has the police any right? If there is no suspicion of crime or a crime/traffic contravention has the police any right to pull you over? And if not will the policeman be disciplined.

Richard, London,

I hope this is followed up with the appropriate police authorities, and an abject apology is forthcoming.

Perhaps this is something the new Mayor of London would like to get involved in?

JuliaM, Essex, UK

Weren't the CCTV cameras working that day?

Greg, Surrey,

It was rush hour on one of the main arterial routes out of Nottingham, for some strange reason the traffic was static, this was because Police were stopping traffic for a census. I too refused to participate due to the mayhem caused, many more motorists followed my stance, traffic chaos for what?

S. Martin, Derbys, Derbyshire

Unfortunately this is not only in London - I was stopped way up here in Yorkshire. I too refused to answer the questions as I was on my way to work and would now be late. I wish I'd thought of Chris Palmers method - I shall for next time, come on I dare you to stop me now.

stefan, South Elmsall, West Yorkshire

Drip, drip, drip ,each day more of our already limited freedoms are being snatched away.
It could have been from one of those old war movies when people were stopped with words "Paperz Pleeaze!"
We lost our ancestors fighting dictatorships and secret police only to have bred our own in house.

James, london, uk

Serves you right for living in London!

StuartEHopkins, Bristol,

Surely this is a simple matter of obstruction of the highway. Is this no longer a criminal offence?

Surely a PC is only entitled to stop a vehicle if he has cause to believe an offence is being commited?

PJW Holland, London,

If 'Human Rights' lawyers bothered about British people at all, they would put a stop to this abuse of power with a single application to court.

Roger, Ipswich,

If you're going to be stopped anyway, why not invent some utterly ludicrous data fro them to chew on. If you're white, insist that they tick the box that defines you as black, saying that is how you self-identify. You can have endless fun playing these twerps at their own game.

Chris Palmer, Southampton, England

"Is this really the best use of your time, Officer?" Rethorical question. Demand their due cause, and insist they respond. If you get out of the car, lock it. "I do not consent to a search of this vehicle." Anything found then will be inadmissible. Keep saying, "Can I go now?" Zero cooperation.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

I have refused to answer such questions when compelled to stop at a census. I resent my time being abused in this manner and I resent the "big brother" intrusion into my life. Worse, as the vehicles are in a line you cannot move off until all thsoe in front have finished. Is this unlawful detention?

Peter Holden, Matlock,