Fining the law-abiding

I wish to express my disgust at the way in which the warden system is being used in Birkirkara.

Recently, a security camera was installed in the old church area. Just opposite the camera is a popular stationery where many people stop to purchase daily papers and other needs. Only recently, I received a notice of contravention for parking my car in front of this stationery while I went inside to purchase a newspaper.

I am not contesting this notice, since there is a yellow line in front of this outlet. I feel, however, that I should express my frustration that wardens never fail to punish such minor contraventions (my car, which was parked in that spot for no longer than 45 seconds, was not inconveniencing or obstructing) but appear powerless to do anything about the general mayhem which rules in our streets.

The authorities must realise the extent of disgruntlement which ordinary citizens have towards the warden system. The perception is that wardens are not there to protect law-abiding citizens from reckless drivers but simply using their position to raise revenue from minor offences while skirting clear of cases that cause inconvenience and/or danger, such as obstruction by street vendors, trucks, etc.

Among the worst offenders are government vehicles such as agricultural bowsers that block main roads during the rush hour, cars blocking the roads while drivers engage in conversation with passers-by, slow driving in the fast lane and abrupt turning or stopping without signalling, to mention just some of the hazards we have to face daily.

Ordinary citizens feel frustrated that not only are they not being offered protection against such "bullies", they are also having to finance the whole system by being made to pay fines for ridiculous reasons. Once again, as happens in so many aspects of life, the silent law-abiding majority pays while the lawless, egoistic minority gets away with it.

Unfortunately, I have no faith that my letter will do anything to change things but I felt I should nevertheless express my opinion on this sorry state of affairs.