How to put brakes on speedsters

THERE has been much ill-informed opinion about speeding on our roads following the recent horrific death of eight young people in Donegal.

While young men are certainly a significant and increasing part of the speeding problem, they are by no means the main culprits.

Independent surveys in the densely residential Wilton/Bishopstown area of Cork have consistently highlighted that over 58% of all drivers break the speed limit daily with impunity. According to Cork City Council, more than 6,000,000 vehicles traverse the area annually. Allowing a 50% correction for rush hour traffic, his means that around 1,740,000 annually, or staggering 4,767 vehicles are breaking the limit every day.

Speeds of in excess of 80kph in this 50kph zone are been monitored on a daily basis. In essence, speeding is endemic for all ages not just boy racers. Taxis are among the worst offenders.

The problem has been highlighted to gardaí, the city manager and council officials on several occasions. Both official bodies have ignored the warnings and the situation continues to deteriorate. Incidentally, the council’s own recent traffic noise survey has shown that local levels are dangerously high, in excess of 75 decibels, which, by their own admission, can cause serious health problems for local residents.

Resolution requires either of two solutions.

* The Government must immediately redirect priorities for An Garda Siochana and give them the required resources in terms of manpower and materials.

* Privatise speeding control. Create 5,000 new speed warden posts throughout the country. These would be highly trained, supplied with hand held cameras and highly mobile.

Apart from solving the problem, this second option would allow An Garda Siochana to concentrate on core issues such as the illicit drug trade and serious crime. It would create a significant number of new jobs and would be self-financing. Additional measures would be to at least double the current sanctions and fines and outlaw the use of modified cars on public roads. These solutions will yield positive results but of course require strong and enlightened political leadership allied to a little innovative and lateral thinking.

John Cooney

Wilton Road

Cork