The Revised Traffic Act

One thousand dollars for speeding

Or twelve months in jail if you like

But just five hundred dollars for parking

In spaces where the disabled should alight.

Not that speeding should be encouraged

No nothing at all like that

But twelve months in jail just for speeding

Really amounts to crap.

We had better start building a traffic jail

For quite a few people could end up there,

Particularly the poor and needy sort

That won’t have that money to pay.

Unless of course a magistrate will say

To the transgressor that is very rich,

“You have been here a number of times

Twelve months in jail should do the trick.”

Not likely I am sure you would agree

So pay up forthwith and he could go free

But the other guy caught in a similar act

Will have a “stay-cation” and that is crap.

The disabled in our country

Are sometimes treated with disdain

Often by people who should know better

And even by those who are well trained.

But often this matter of importance

Raises its ugly face

Where some high up and better off person

Will park in such a space.

Or someone young and strong in body

And not hampered in any other way

Other than the fact that he or she is lazy

Will have just five hundred dollars to pay.

And while there can be jail for speeding

There’s no such thing regarding alcohol,

Caught driving under its influence

Attracts a thousand dollars; that is all.

I propose the following amendments

To be immediately applied to this act:

Fine and confine drunken drivers

If we are serious about taking our roads back.

In the matter of speeding: no jail,

A fine commensurate with the speed is advised,

In cases of excess it should really hurt,

Leave that scope to the judge who presides.

Taking advantage of anyone is a “no-no”

Particularly in the case of the differently able,

Instead of a five hundred dollars penalty

A thousand dollars would be more agreeable.

Given the high incidence of reckless driving

The act appears loudly silent,

What about certain public service vehicles?

Concerning these there is little intent.

I propose the owners be held accountable

For the PSV drivers they employ,

They too should feel it where it hurts most

A human life is sacred; it is not a toy.

Frequent law breakers must be dealt with

Both driver and boss should face the court,

Together they need to understand

That the traffic authorities aren’t making sport.

Well this is my take for whatever it is worth

Our roads must be safe for all and sundry

To commute from place to place as one sees fit

Without the fear of an accident or injury.

Stewart Russell © November 2017