Education, not prevention

Sir,

It would appear that the commentator on “Driving Standards” (Feb. ’78), believes that while the cat is away, the mice should play.

It would seem that his ideal motoring situation would be one where police patrol vehicles were situated at strategically obvious points so that motorists would not exceed the speed limit whilst passing them.

The writer’s theory is that this would provide a deterrent value to the would-be law breakers. It is also his opinion that it is “not cricket” for the police to station themselves where they are not obvious to the general public.

Does it not occur to him that if he is seeking a deterrent, then surely the best one is that which is ever present, but invisible, so that motorists would slink around at t m.p.h. below the speed limit lest an unmarked police car should dart out of a concealed entrance in hot pursuit of the victim.

This is, in my opinion, the logical conclusion to a deterrent policy. Perhaps the author of the aforementioned letter and others, would do well to consider that education is an alternative to prevention.

Edinburgh DAVID SUTHERLAND