talk back

Q Should the penalty points for jumping a red light be increased?

Minibus operators and other public transport operators have been lobbying vigorously for cheaper fuel, and exemption from other kinds of duties. They claim that rising fuel costs have put pressure on their businesses.

I can tell them how to cut their costs with two words - 'slow down'. I seldom see red or green minibuses travelling at or below the speed limit. They travel at reckless speeds, tailgate other motorists, fail to indicate for lane changes, and jump red lights. Why the government hasn't cracked down on drivers who wilfully break the law and endanger lives and property on this scale is anyone's guess.

Tragedies like the recent minibus collision will happen again and again unless the minibus industry is punished, and heavily, for its profiteering. Rather than subsidising murderous drivers with fuel-tax waivers, the government should be removing licences and franchises from those who don't toe the line.

Michael May, Tseung Kwan O

The penalties for all driving offences are far too low. You can be fined $1,500 for dropping a cigarette end (fair enough) but the maximum fines for careless driving offences have seldom exceeded $5,000 and then only in respect of 'accidents' in which people have been killed. Why is life valued so cheaply by the judiciary when it comes to the killing and maiming of people by selfish and aggressive drivers?

The maximum penalty for careless driving is only imprisonment for six months. This is derisory. Jumping a red light should be at least $10,000 for a first conviction and three months in prison next time. A more serious careless driving charge should attract an immediate custodial term. Drivers are controlling lethal weapons and must be severely punished for the danger they cause.