Dear Editor,
I read with interest the concerns of Mr. Remus George in his letter dated 4 October 2007 regarding the issuing of traffic tickets for minor traffic violations.
As a visitor to this country I too have experienced this unfortunate situation. On that particular day, I had just unfastened my belt to attend to my five year old who was a passenger in the back of the vehicle. I drove off slowly. Just as I was about to re-fasten my belt, a police officer on motor-bike signaled me to stop. After displaying the requested documents, I was escorted from Alberttown to Eve Leary police station for further processing. The entire ordeal took some one hour and twenty minutes! Now, let me state clearly that I have always supported and practiced the wearing of seatbelts. I have had significant exposure to the horrifying consequences of non-compliance through working in a major hospital in my own country.
I am still baffled though, as to why such a system is allowed to continue. In my view, it is archaic, wastes time and resources and more importantly, distracts the traffic officer from giving attention to more serious traffic and civil violations. Indeed, I am not aware of any other country in the world with such practices. The wisdom, necessity, and effectiveness of such a policy deserve some explanation from those in authority. For this, I and many others would be grateful.
Yours faithfully,
O. Campbell
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to the Chief Traffic Officer for any comments he may wish to make.
