THERE have been many memorable stories this year, some controversial, some heartwarming and some quirky, but it was an ingenious idea which we have chosen as our favourite story for 2014.
Malvern is renowned for having brilliant brains but one of this year’s best innovations did not come from the likes of QinetiQ but the town’s very own police officers.
The idea to use the seemingly redundant tax disc holder as the perfect space to contain important information for an emergency is brilliantly simple and could save someone’s life.
It certainly caught the public’s imagination and forces around the country have spread the word.
If readers have one resolution for 2015 it should be to follow @MalvernCops on Twitter for local crimes updates and campaigns with a welcome dose of comedy.
And here is the story once more:
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From October 22, 2014.
POLICE officers in Malvern have come up with an ingenious use for the now redundant tax disc holder, which could save lives.
The team behind the popular @MalvernCops Twitter page have created an emergency contact information and medical alert card which folds up and slots into the pouch.
PC Dave Wise said: “This is a really useful replacement for your tax disc, if a driver is involved in a collision or has a medical emergency whilst at the wheel, a first responder will have easy access to vital medical information and we can quickly contact next of kin.
“The way the disc folds in on itself means all the information is kept private until needed by emergency services personnel.”
He added: “We aren’t suggesting people must have this disc, it’s just an option and a personal choice.
“The disc won’t contain any more info than would be available to a criminal than from a search online, a stolen wallet or a discarded letter.”
From October 1 the legal requirement for motorists to display a valid tax disc in their windscreens was scrapped, although drivers still have to tax their vehicle.
Email [email protected] for a pdf template of the card or follow @MalvernCops on Twitter for a link to the print-out.
