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All Saints Day that is going to cost you
1st November known as All Saints Day is a special day for Poles. They visit graves of their families and friends to show that they remember about those, who passed away. However some use these annual celebrations to earn money.
It is natural for candle and flower retailers to wait with anticipation for this day, but it seems they are not the only ones who do so. Also some of Polish Policemen use the opportunity to give out as many tickets as possible.
It has to be noted that most of Police force on roads are doing their jobs in proper manner. They try to ensure that we all safely travel to and back from our family graves. Because of increased traffic and bravado of some drivers they have to intervene and hand them speeding tickets. They also make sure that driver’s did not drink during family reunion that often accompanies grave visit.
However some Policemen have other ideas of their service. For example one Police patrol in Wrocław started to take photos of wrongly parked cars to issue tickets later. If had not been strange if they would not have parked their car in front of hospital’s gate, blocking the traffic in and out. It is also controversial if parking habits should be checked during this day. “I have a handicapped mother, who wants to visit a grave of her husband and I have to get here by car. It is a special day, so they should understand that no all signs near to the graveyards can be obeyed” – one of annoyed drivers said. “Look where they park their own car!”- he adds.
This situation shows that law cannot be obeyed without understanding of its purpose and that the attitude of few can thwart good work of many.
