Mr Ben Fung related how his car had stalled late at night, in the middle lane, at traffic lights in Pedder Street and that he had been unable immediately to restart it. A Traffic Policeman (Waterfront Division Senior Police Constable Mr Yu Kuen-yip) approached him and, instead of criticising or even berating him, he politely established the problem and then helped the driver to push his vehicle to the side of the road.

Eventually, Mr Fung re-started his car, and left the scene. In retrospect, however, he realised that the policeman had been polite, helpful and thoroughly professional.

Mr Fung told OffBeat: "I doubt I would have been treated so well 10 years ago. At that time, I was a regular visitor to the Complaints Against Police Office, where I used to lodge complaints against the working attitude or the impoliteness of the policemen.

"Nowadays, the situation has improved tremendously. There is no doubt that officers are more polite, more understanding and more helpful," he continued.

The concluding paragraph in Mr Fung's letter said: "The truth is that now the Hong Kong Police are the most efficient and reliable organisation. With responsible people like the SPC, I believe that Hong Kong will be successful."