Lacking in enforcement

In her 'Talking Point' regarding our traffic problems, Daniela Borg Mizzi, public relations and marketing manager at the Malta Transport Authority, has written a lot (November 7) but failed to hit the nail on the head.

She tried to exonerate the authorities and put the blame on other factors, such as the state of the roads and engine capacity, which surely could not cause fatal accidents, unless accompanied with excessive and reckless speeding.

Ms Borg Mizzi had tried to play down the fact that our traffic problems, as all our problems, stem from one main factor, lack of enforcement, together with the leniency of our courts in dealing with offenders.

May I ask Ms Borg Mizzi where our traffic policemen are? Is the wardens' job to dish out parking tickets only? Why are our reckless drivers allowed such freedom which, besides endangering their own lives, can cause the deaths of others? Why is our air polluted with exhaust fumes?

What about the chaos at the Valletta bus terminus? Anyone who went abroad can testify how vigorously other countries enforce their traffic regulations. Strict observance of traffic laws is the cornerstone to our traffic problems.

Unless the authorities tackle this issue, I see no end, not only to this problem, but also to many others. By indulging in rhetoric and side-stepping the main issue, Ms Borg Mizzi offers no solution.

We excel in grumbling, and in engaging in arguments and counter-arguments, but for one reason or another, those in authority have never taken law enforcement seriously.