Imre,

On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 08:31:21 +0200 (CEST), dr. Imre Bartfai wrote:

> I think there is a missing political willingness. IMHO approx. (very
> approx.) about a half of people having a driver licence should be
> withdrawn because of they are simply not able to drive below an expectable
> hazard minimum. It would be a blessing for all the country. BUT: the
> problem is that people does not have any (former: no <G>) insight about
> their inability. Therefore, this measure would be a political suicide and
> no one government dare to do this.

I agree that a lot of people shouldn't be driving, and that would free up the roads for those of us who 
should!  :-)))

In Britain there are a number of ideas being kicked around by the Government to "reduce traffic congestion" - 
the London Congestion Charge is one that's actually in place, and they are talking about "Road Pricing", which 
in its extreme implementation would have every car fitted with a a GPS unit that records/reports where you've 
been, and when (Big Brother must be rubbing his hands with glee!).  Then you'd have to pay for the distance 
and type of roads you've used, on a scale that varies according to traffic.  As a sop to the masses, they say 
this will replace Road Fuel Duty, which currently runs at about 70p/litre, I believe.  "And some people will 
end up paying less" - yeah, right!!!

My personal feeling is that rather than restrict the roads to those who can afford the charges (or who work 
for companies who will pay it for you), it would be a better idea to restrict them to the better drivers.  
Have periodic driving tests that decide whether you are (still) a good enough driver, and if you're not quite 
good enough restrict you to driving "safer" vehicles.  I would much rather work harder to improve my driving 
skills (and have some feedback on how I'm doing) than have to give up driving certain times/places or pay a 
huge premium for doing so.  And it should improve the average skill level, so it has the chance of improving 
safety as well as traffic congestion, which road pricing will never do!

Cheers,


Howard Winter
St.Albans, England


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