  |
Is this Gibraltar or the Wild West?
|
Gibraltar roads are fast becoming the wild west, with Speedy Gonzalez types mushrooming by the day.
The leisurely atmosphere that was long a feature of driving on the Rock is fast disappearing, and you notice it every day.
The Police have a valid point when they say they are concerned with a slight increase in the number of road traffic accidents involving minor injuries, "we would like to reiterate to road users and especially motorcycle riders to take extra care."
The RGP says it will be intensifying their enforcement of general driver misbehaviour by increasing their presence at specific roads,and carrying out speed control measures and general traffic calming measures.
The RGP reiterates that road users should abide by instructions and observe speed limits and traffic signs in general.
Every day many people will have seen motorcycles in particular going past at a high speed and you wonder if there should be more police on out streets all the day, which is of course an impossibility.
Rushing around is now the order of the day, and we do not mean the motorist who might exceed the speed limit by a few kilometres per hour.
Queensway has taken over as the main racing circuit, even from Devil's Tower Road. But there are other roads, such as Rosia Road, which draw the high-speeders.
COMPORTMENT
But speeding is not the only issue of concern. What about comportment?
This idea that one car can stop next to another on a busy road while the drivers enjoy a chat is too prevalent and ought not to be tolerated.
Have you been for a drive along Eastern Beach? To drive in or out you some times have to say 'Excuse me' to the cars who stop anywhere and everywhere without any concern for other road users.
And then you come to the zebra crossings and other crossings, that can make you cross.
To begin with, it is clear that Spaniards in particular, whether walking or driving, are against road crossings. We know that from watching their antics in Spain.
When over here, the practice continues!
If they are walking they simply cross the crossing even if the pedestrian Red light is on.
And if they are driving. they think Red lights were not meant for them.
Then, there are those - both locals and visitors - who literally 'throw' themselves on to crossings even when a car is too close for comfort. The attitude seems to be: I have the right to cross and I cross whenever I want even if there is a car edging into the crossing.
Clearly, there is a case for greater vigilance and action to make our roads safer.
And especially at a time when other obstacles, including so much building and road works, make matters so much worse.
|
|
|
|
