With reference to the letter entitled Much Stricter Driving Tests (December 27), I wish to extend my sincere apologies to the writer, driving examiners, and readers of The Times for having failed to place a quantifier in a sentence, which should have read "all [three] were found guilty...", in my letter Failed Driving Tests (December 11). No slight was intended on my part towards driving examiners who, by and large, carry out their duties with the utmost courtesy and in a most professional manner.

Readers of The Times may recall that the case of the two driving examiners found guilty of bribery charges prompted the much-debated issue of the infamous presidential pardons. The topic was extensively covered by this newspaper at the time.

Since my examiners were kind enough to review my driving omissions with me (I was even handed a copy of the reports as a memento), I am aware of the reasons for having failed my test. The ten-to-two-o'clock hands on the steering wheel position, and looking in the rear-view mirror when gearing down or when using turn-signals may be de rigeur and even useful to staid British drivers whose road courtesy and respect for fellow motorists is admired worldwide. However, I sincerely doubt that any drivers in Malta engage in such practices past the learner and test phases of their driving experience.

Enforcement of these practices is non-existent. Traffic situations alternate between zoo and jungle, and those responsible for traffic control appear to be more preoccupied with assiduously enforcing the seat-belt law, and issuing citations for expired time-clock parking. They turn a blind eye to the languid arm, with cigarette in hand, dangling from the driver's window, or drivers holding a mobile phone to their ear. Also, as far as turn signals are concerned, there are times when I truly believe that I'm the only driver who uses them.

The public awaits the introduction of the much-heralded points system with bated breath. Its success in bringing law and order to what has hitherto been utter chaos on Maltese roads will depend on how well the Highway Code is enforced.