The Editor, Sir:

This is in response to Monday's column by Garth Rattray.

Dear Dr. Rattray:

I write to commend you on today's column, 'Easy traffic revenue'. However, I cannot agree that these criminals should be fined and/or sent to driving school, most cannot read or write, but should have their licences revoked in addition to being given a prison sentence.

Every day, I drive from Manor Park to my business place near Old Harbour and I witness the most atrocious display of driving. For instance, on the Spanish Town bypass there are a number of designated right turn lanes which are conveniently used as overtaking lanes at the intersections. This is extremely dangerous.

I have never seen any type of police presence in these areas, but then the police drives no differently. I can only conclude that our Police Traffic Department needs a foreign officer to manage it as we have the most incompetent, lazy and corrupt police in that department. No government of this country has ever addressed the problem of indiscipline on our roads.

I would suggest the following:

All applicants for learner's licences should pass the road code test prior to receiving the licence.

A public road code education programme using all media should be implemented.

All examiners who issue licences to unqualified persons should be imprisoned.

A select number of volunteers equipped with cameras should be appointed as mobile traffic wardens who can present evidence to the police of breaches of the Road Traffic Law by motorists. None of my suggestions require any expenditure.

I am, etc.,

IRA ASHMAN

iraashman@msn.com