Hit where it hurts

I read the report (August 6) on the compulsory use of rear seat belts by the end of this year and that the "introduction of mandatory seat belts in 1996 had been a success". Ten minutes later, on my way from Xewkija to Victoria, I counted 17 front seat...

I read the report (August 6) on the compulsory use of rear seat belts by the end of this year and that the "introduction of mandatory seat belts in 1996 had been a success". Ten minutes later, on my way from Xewkija to Victoria, I counted 17 front seat drivers and passengers not wearing their seat belt.

It would appear that the scheme has definitely not been a success in Gozo. Maybe the Lm5 fine for not wearing a seat belt is no deterrent here - it might be if the fine were to be raised to Lm15 or Lm20 and if the police and wardens pay more attention to such infringements.

At the moment it looks as if "anything goes". A driver with a baby on his lap (a cheap airbag?) is quite a common sight. It is about time the authorities wake up and instill, firmly but politely, some form of discipline. The only method which seems to work is when one's pocket is hit.

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