Only a few days ago, when we commented on the need for greater discipline, we spoke favourably on the setting up of the warden service. Indeed, it is in our own interest that they do their work well and efficiently, with tact and justice tempered by understanding.

Having said that, and, at the same time, admitting that we, as a people, do not take discipline readily, many wonder what it is that some wardens have been told to do. Letters to The Times complaining about the wardens are picking up again.

It is a fact, for example, that a good number of their bookings comprise the sitting ducks - bad parkers and maybe one or two missing lights or driving the wrong way.

Well, those are bad, of course, but what about more serious offenders, like the heavy smoking buses and vans whether carrying students or tourists? One would like to have some statistics.

Then, how many double parkers in dangerous places have been booked, when they are blocking one side of the traffic, and have not even pulled up as neatly and closely as possible and are taking their time over their business?

What of mobile phone users at the wheel? How about the racing drivers in the late and early hours when nerves are taut and concentration light? How many of these have been booked? How many wardens are up at night?

There is far too much stupidity and beastliness on our roads. It is this that is not being addressed by the wardens: the failure to give indications of turning, the sudden change of lane without warning, the hurling of threats and abuse, the bullying of the drivers of big vehicles, the honking at every street corner even in the middle of the night or in the heat of the afternoon.

Very few people realise that in civilised countries everywhere (except south of Rome) it is an offence to honk in built-up areas or not to dim bright lights when facing another. Has anyone in Malta ever been booked for that?

So many things seem to be beyond the ken of the average Maltese driver, that one doesn't wonder at all at visitors' negative and comic comments.

But what worries one all the more is that the wardens themselves (like the police), do not seem to worry about bad manners on the road. Their main occupation so far, and until published statistics prove otherwise, has been to issue so many bookings per week, to fill the coffers of the local council, and to earn more than their salary is worth.

It is because of this that some have been showing the extra zeal that moves irate readers to complain to The Times: being booked when others aren't; towed away only for a shop owner to bring his own car close; booked for faulty stop-lights when they are all in perfect order (recently in Msida); for speeding in areas where one has never ventured...; these and similar cases have actually been mentioned here and there.

Contesting a warden's booking is a hazardous and time-consuming problem. Most people haven't got the courage or the time. But it is not fair that people should suffer from some wardens' excessive zeal.

Needless to say, the good wardens do exist. We need more of them.