Driving habits in Malta can improve through self-discipline and consideration for other drivers and pedestrians. Some drivers use "con tricks" to justify their lack of consideration for others. For example, a van driver double-parked across the street from my home. Besides blocking two legally parked cars the van was a hazard for other drivers.

The van owner justified his long stay, close to two hours, by placing a cardboard box with some packing material in it behind his vehicle.

There are other scenarios: Parents, who are collecting their children from school, parking on double yellow lines or right on zebra crossings just because they know that wardens only work to a certain time.

The first line of attack to improve driving habits is education. The government ministry responsible should start a concentrated and intensive programme to improve driving skills. I realise some awareness about speeding and safety is given on the radio but more needs to be done. Safe driving, defensive, considerate driving weeks should be held.

I realise that some drivers will need much more than this to improve their habits and the only way that they might learn is by hitting their pocket. If the education programme seems to be eluding some drivers then the rules should be imposed. Ample warning is given (we know how we resent not being told in plenty of time) that during a particular week wardens/police will be on the lookout for a certain infringement.

Offenders would be fined or booked. Computer records should be kept and subsequent offences carry progressively stiffer fines. At a certain number of infringements the driver would have to take a course to freshen up skills and knowledge of the highway code. Drivers who ignore and/or keep up their poor driving habits should be barred from insuring and driving their vehicles.

Tough? Not at all on those who try to be courteous and law-abiding.