Charles Micallef, Qawra
Enforcing traffic laws
It is high time that the number of policemen in the traffic division is increased, utilised solely to enforce traffic laws and to discipline some of the awful driving habits that we have become accustomed to, something that is urgently needed 24/7. At present we see them mainly when they are utilised for ceremonial and traffic-directing duties, the latter which could easily be done by the warden service. If the traffic policemen are geared up with the right equipment, including traffic management vehicles and not just motorbikes, and utilised strictly to enforce traffic laws, be assured that the number of traffic accidents will decrease drastically.
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C. Mc Neil
Sep 30th 2008, 22:56
Charles Micallef: I have been driving in Malta for more than 48 years and never received a ticket or been charged with an offence. It's more difficult to drive and we do have many bad drivers, but one thing for sure, is that I never took an drinks to drive.
It is true that we do not have enough traffic policemen and neither any district police on the beat, but we do have alot of mobile squad around and doing a great job. What I do believe is that we need more camera's installed on zebra-crossings, and major roads.
Finally, I would suggest that the traffic fines on zebra-crossings be double or triple increased as this is the biggest drivers' abuse in Malta. Some, if not quite a lot do not stop when it's on yellow, but only stop when this changes to red. This is a very bad habit and they could be charged if a camera was installed. The solution is not more policemen but more security camera's in various places that drivers' do abuse in driving, parking or speeding.
The Traffic section are well efficient, they need backing of apparatus.
D Vella
Sep 30th 2008, 19:28
Will they start booking the petrol/paraffin fume offenders including the buses who do their best to gas me every day?
Phil Press
Sep 30th 2008, 16:00
@ Tony, i presume that you are not one of those, that do 100 m.p.h. Lol.
Andrew Gatt
Sep 30th 2008, 15:07
What! Some irresponsible drivers are breaking the law? Understaffed and underfunded Police? Lack of clear and consistent enforcement? Malta with a bad reputation?
Very easy! Ban all cars. Ban all drivers. Ban 'em all! But do it propertly.....first, restrict driving hours. Then impose collective punishments. Also invite foreign organisations to roam around freely while Maltese drivers are at home. Finally, confiscate all vehicles and hey presto! Prolem solved.
Does the analogy ring any bells?
Phil Press
Sep 30th 2008, 15:04
Tut Tut, tony you mean 70mph. Lol.
Joseph Sammut
Sep 30th 2008, 14:56
Before getting more traffic policeman, can the existing force please do their job properly? How many times they are seen to turn their head/close their eyes to drivers sitting in their double parked cars, overspeeding, changing lanes without giving notice (but then they themselves do it all the time!!!!).
I believe that if the existing force does its job properly, we would see quite a significant improvement in the general traffic situation; only then should one consider if the force should be increased.
Tony Gatt
Sep 30th 2008, 13:50
Dear Charles,
I don't think these people have had one too many -they just want to show off their superb driving skills to the (as they think) foreigeners. I would hate to meet up with them on a motorway in the U.K. where speeds up to 100 m.p.h. are common.
Charles Micallef
Sep 30th 2008, 11:48
@Tony Gatt
I lived in UK for 22 years and the big joke about Maltese drivers over there was always that;
''In the UK you cannot drink and drive but in Malta it is compulsory to drink to be able to drive"
That is exactly how most of the Maltese drivers are perceived, unfortunately...and until we get someone to enforce the laws nothing will change!
What about asking CABS to enforce the driving laws, they done a very good job with protectingthe birds
Tony Gatt
Sep 30th 2008, 11:19
If you want to see some real examples of moronic driving try hiring a tourist car as I do when I come to Malta-the 'K' registration seems to bring out the worst in some people. I get "cut up" practically every day as some drivers think this is some kind of sport.
When I was learning to drive in central London many years ago my instructor said to me "Drive as if everybody else on the road is mad" For Malta this is excellent advice.
Nigel Lawrence
Sep 30th 2008, 10:49
Dream on!
TRW O Neill
Sep 30th 2008, 10:09
When the scandal over the driving examiners who took bribes was reported, how many of the drivers who paid to pass their test , were fined, & made to retake the Driving test? Non of them should be driving , if non of them were!
Louis Gatt
Sep 30th 2008, 09:15
I perfectly agree with Mr. Micallef. Well done. Our roads have become a jungle! Ofcourse not all drivers are that bad, but the general attitude is disasterous. Discipline is very very scanty and the traffic code is being broken too frequently. We need more policeman and wardens on our roads to ensure better behaviour. After all everybody will benefit from more saftey on our dangerous roads.