Conversations with my MP

Are we at a UK Tipping Point

Are Brits becoming more dishonest? Driving home the other evening I realised that I was one of many drivers exceeding the speed  limit. I decided there and then to drive within the speed limit. I set my speed control to a couple of mph (kph) below the maximum speed limit, and started counting cars that overtook me. On the motorways (max 70mph) more cars overtook me than I overtook, in 50mph and lower zones fewer cars overtook me. On average 50% of drivers were exceeding the maximum speed limit.

I notice too that many drivers don’t obey the ‘keep clear zones’ outside fire stations (that’s just crazy), on roundabouts, outside schools, etc. And when one person creeps into the “clear” zone others quickly follow, and soon the roundabout becomes jammed – making it worse for everyone.

Too many people make calls on their mobile phones whilst driving, despite numerous adverts aimed at dissuading this dangerous practice. And it’s not just drivers: recently politicians have been exposed claiming expenses fraudulently, newspaper editors involved in phone voicemail hacking, bank managers misrepresenting inter-bank lending rates and claiming excessive bonuses, cigarette butts, drinks cans, and papers discarded on our pavements. These steady incursions into dishonesty must be stopped – read the Tipping Point.

Solution: Install more cameras on roundabouts and traffic lights, harsh fines for all trespasses, the government needs the money, CCD cameras are relatively cheap to install, and harsh fines will discourage dishonesty.  Perhaps even publish photos in local papers of all criminals.

first published 10 August 2012

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