Dear Sir,

I am somewhat perplexed at the recent announcement of the massive increase in fines for the licence plates with respect to size of the numerals and spacing of them being in breach of legal requirements. I support what they are trying to achieve by making non-compliance more punitive.

However, for the life of me I do not understand why we do not do the same for the national pastime of the most flagrant abuse of the speed limit by our motoring public on a daily basis.

The speed limit mandated by law is 35km/h, which is routinely ignored everywhere. We are driving on our roads at 50-70km/h at will with little fear of the wrath of punitive fines being levied. Why not do the same in the fine structure for speeding? I believe this would encourage slowing down.

Much has been written in your column on this subject with little effect to date. Treating dangerous levels of reckless driving with punishing and very punitive actions in the purses of offenders may not be the absolute answer to the insanity on our roads, but it should have a real awareness effect to force some responsibility of drivers.

Again, triple the fines and create fear in the minds of drivers as to routine speeding. Not enough, you might say? Then add the dreaded severe disqualifications from our roads with an iron fist. Let's get serious with this pandemic on the tarmac that we have suffered for decades with no working vaccine.

WAYNE B. SCOTT

Smith’s