One of Transport Malta’s duties is to educate drivers. Drivers committing persistent offences should attend educational courses. Tangible rewards, deterrents or punishments are psychologically effective.

The police can do their part as well. I recall times when all policemen carried a whistle. A piercing ear-splitting blast was a signal for obedience.

Walking nonchalantly towards the Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia, I heard the shrill note of a whistle. A hand in a white glove pointed an accusing finger. I realised that walking in the road and not on the pavement was a contravention. The stern warning demanded blind obedience: no grumbling or garrulous expressions of disdain.

I recall driving from Los Angeles to San Diego on a six-lane highway. The whining sound of a siren scared me stiff. Momentarily I had gone over the lane. The police patrol feared intoxication. Persuasive denial was not satisfactory.

They suggested a stop at a roadside café. Half willingly we stopped at a cafeteria. The same policemen came in. They spoke not. They did not even show any recognition. That was certainly a wise deterrent.

Education, deterrence, advice and stern warnings eliminate expenses and inconvenience in court. Education of the public is a prerequisite of daily life; it is also an essential quality that transport authorities should practise. Problems occur incessantly but through an educational campaign the lessons learnt will last a lifetime.

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