Traffic violations such as speeding and running red lights are very dangerous to drivers and other road users.
These violations should be penalized in the strongest possible ways with fines and points on the offending drivers’ licenses.
However, there are tricks used by local councils and governments in foreign countries in order to raise finance through tricking drivers.
These tricks happen in Europe and the US and Gulf drivers should be aware of them when they drive or hire cars abroad.
Some towns in Europe admit openly that they are strapped for cash and use these tricks to balance their budgets.
While testing cars in Spain a fellow journalist from the UK was stopped by Spanish police for not stopping on a junction even though the roads were clear in all directions.
He was marched into a cash machine and fined 100 Euros on the spot.
Oxford in the UK is particularly a bad place to drive a car. Coming into the town a speed camera is placed on a downhill road. Even if a driver is careful, the car picks up about two or three miles per hour over and above the 30 mph limit. This is enough to trip the camera to record a violation – followed by a fine and three points on the license.
Getting out of Oxford is even worse. On a 50 mph road the lights change so suddenly that cars passing the changed lights by less than a second trip the cameras again and are fined with more points added to licenses. In Chicago, the city this year shortened the amber lights timing in order to catch more drivers.
This practice has caused such fury that the city mayor is in danger of losing his job.
These practices smack of corruption and greed.
They do not help drivers improve their driving or follow safe practices.
They also instill anger and frustration in otherwise good drivers.
If you drive abroad this year, beware: natural beauty can hide a darker side to it.
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*Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist, based in London.
Email: [email protected]
