This newspaper has always been in the forefront when it comes to encouraging safe driving. On several occasions, we have insisted that the authorities, first of all, should ensure that our arterial and residential roads are of the highest standards, free of potholes and other potential dangers to drivers and passengers, and secondly that drivers should be made to feel responsible towards their action on the roads.

We have also emphasized that erring drivers should be brought to book, and that discipline should be exercised in such a way that everyone should be accountable for his or her actions, be it as drivers, be it as pedestrians.

But the proposal that is being considered by Transport Malta – for speeding fines caught on camera to increase to €500 if the perpetrator surpasses the limit by 30 km/h – is somewhat exaggerated.

While reiterating our stand in favour of safe driving, this newspaper has often commented on the way speed cameras were used as money-making machines for their operators. Speed limits were, at times, ridiculously low, such as the 45km/h limit imposed on the Manwel Dimech Bridge a few years ago.

We have also written against wardens who, rather than trying to educate drivers, have used their power to inflict fines on unwary drivers. It was not rare that wardens jumped out of nowhere to mete out contraventions to drivers.

And now we have this other idea of increasing speeding fines to an exaggerated €500 which, for many, is more than a week’s wage.

It is understandable that Transport Malta is looking for ways to ensure more safety on our roads, but this goes beyond reason. True, it could act as a deterrent, but at the same time it confirms the notion that speed cameras are literally intended to make money. The fact that there were applications for the installation of 46 new cameras – mostly by local councils – shows that they are seen as being a way to get some extra cash.

This should not be the case.

On a different note, the removal of horse-drawn and slow traffic from arterial roads should be a step in the right direction. Too often, traffic is halted because of horse-drawn carriages and heavy vehicles. A few years ago, this newspaper had suggested, for example, that karrozzini should not be allowed on the road during peak hours – it now seems that Transport Malta is taking heed of complaints in this regard.