The complaints expressed in your letters of June 17 and 18 are widely shared. 'Do away with the speed-trap nonsense', 'Speed-traps are feeding-tree zones' and 'Annoying speed traps' all suggest that speed-limit signs should be improved and the traffic police should demonstrate more purpose in their efforts to control traffic. Instead, traffic police seem more intent on raising revenue rather than providing effective traffic control.

This is Road Safety Month. Our traffic-accident rate is high. The published advice on how to drive more safely from Mr Hare, head of the Road Safety Division, is helpful to those who will comply. More is needed, such as replaced and improved traffic signs, and more lane markings.

The traffic police also need to refocus their efforts. Traffic statistics indicate that most accidents are caused by careless, reckless and dangerous drivers. Targeting such drivers is more difficult than issuing high volumes of speeding tickets to drivers travelling safely at speeds over the 50km/h limit on new dual carriageways in non-built-up areas, aided and abetted by the low speed limits set by the authorities.

The statistics suggest that speed alone is seldom the cause of accidents. Research indicates that effective policing is the most important element in reducing traffic accidents.

Loss of respect

As reflected in the letters mentioned above, traffic police lose respect by using their current methods. It is not surprising to learn that police officers are evaluated by their seniors based on the number of tickets they issue. A better method of evaluation was called for by the chairman of the recent conference of the Special Police Force Association.

The National Works Agency has been asked to review the speed limits on our highways, especially on the new dual carriageways. A new speed limit of 65km/h will also be welcomed for transition purposes, and to provide traffic engineers with more flexibility. Let us hope and pray that bureaucratic hurdles and staffing constraints will not slow progress on this important matter.

I am, etc.,

DONALD DUFF

Kingston