There has been much talk lately about the POLITE – Hi-Viz range both good and bad. The Press have published the fors and againsts on this clothing range but nothing can be more important than rider & horse safety. Here is a recent statement by Equisafety.
POLITE STATEMENT.
We have just been sent an email by a Police Officer about the POLITE range and we thought you would like to read it.
… It says exactly what we have always stated. The sportswear range is not and never has been illegal. It was shown to ACPO in 2010 and given the all clear by Commander Broadhurst. Head of the Mounted Police section. He stated – Assuming they have no items of police uniform it is unlikely the public will mistake them for us but if they do it will just be another High Visibility Patrol which should add to the reassurance picture.
Just because a new ACPO member decided he doesn’t like it, does not mean it’s illegal.
Dear Sir/Madam
I spoke to you whilst at the Royal Bath & West Show and stated that I was an off duty Police Officer and that I would email you with my personal views regarding your clothing.
I would like to pass on my thoughts regarding the recent press coverage on your reflective clothing designed to warn other road users that horse riders are visible and hopefully slow down drivers when they pass.
The design pattern is fantastic and works. The simple blue and silver squares which is not a logo patent to the Police although it may give the association that it is, makes drivers take their foot off the accelerator and think about their actions as they negotiate round them.
The word Polite is a different word to Police and just makes your eye read the word you associate with the blue and silver design. There is no special font or logo used.
This type of reaction is no different to seeing any person wearing a reflective coat whilst on foot, a bicycle, a lollipop person or a road worker.
This could also work with any driver seeing a blue light or siren. Its just making other road users aware of potential hazards or making things visible in low lighting.
I certainly would not think that some hairy cob or pony on a country road was a mounted Police Officer or that they were impersonating one if they were wearing one of your jackets.
It would simply make me think ‘Arhh horse, slow down’.
If the clothing makes me aware of a horse prior to getting round the next bend due to its clever design, then its worked.
Keep up the good work.
Don’t let your customers be intimidated by drivers that think they know the law. Be polite and don’t encourage them to get into any debate. They have done nothing wrong. I’m sure the same people would think that Police have better things to do anyway!!
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