Priit
Active Member
I believe that is to a large degree the fault of the local traffic enforcers. They only enforce the laws that bring in large fines such as speeding, seat belt, phone using and drunk driving. All others with smaller files like keep left unless overtaking, indicating, give way to the car that's changing lanes and is ahead of you or match speed when merging into motorway are ignored allowing bad habits to develop.Not just Sydney… Canberra and many other locations too! Generally I find Australian drivers are getting less and less considerate of each other. Sad really.
In my opinion the whole traffic infringement and punishment system needs an overhaul. They can see that its not working but because it rewards the traffic enforcement, they are happy to just increase fines and restrict speeds even though its not better for traffic flow, traffic safety or participants in traffic.
Better option would be to set the limits and signage to optimize the traffic flow and throughput and start enforcing things that improve traffic flow. As punishments just charging money is not the best lever. That could be the first lever, then second offence should be to send them to a couple day course paid by the perpetrator to learn how to drive like defensive driving course. If they still don't learn send them to a longer and more comprehensive driving course.