DRIVING standards are abysmally low. To just pick on one topic, and there are many from which to pick, I will select the use of indicators.

When negotiating roundabouts, seeing another car’s indicator operating, either left or right, it can be taken as only one thing – that indicator does work.

It certainly will not be a guide as to the likely route around or off the roundabout.

I have detected a recent fancy in some drivers to enter a roundabout with their right indicator going when their proposed route is straight across; compounded by their exiting the roundabout with their right indicator still operating.

I also note the number of drivers who use their ‘indicators’ as ‘confirmators’.

Their indicator comes on sometime after their brake lights, preparatory to manoeuvring, and it has already become apparent what their intended manoeuvre is from their speed adjustment, position on the road etc, all before their indicator’s operation.

I could expand much further but will limit myself to just one more observation: many drivers are apparently committing the offence of driving with uncorrected defective vision.

During my time as a London traffic police officer, I frequently saw things which could be accounted for only by the driver having bad eyesight.

Consequently, I frequently conducted eyesight tests in the street – yes, it can be done in good daylight, in the street, by a police officer in uniform.

The majority of drivers failed this test.

The worst was when a driver failed to be able to read a number plate moving slowly towards him and it got level and then passed him. All without his being able to read it.

The biggest problem with policing now is that it is only reactive and never pro-active.

Similarly, I occasionally read the result of cases brought in the magistrates’ courts, for driving offences, and the sentences are laughable.

In most cases they are similar to what I used to experience in the 1980s/90s and, worse still, sometimes even less than then.

Speed cameras are probably the worst thing ever allowed as they permit police time and resources to be channelled in that direction, concentrating on catching Mr Average Niceguy who will meekly pay up and shut up.

MICHAEL MOTHERSOLE
Address supplied