Madam, - I am incensed by Mr Seamus Brennan's imminent changes for provisional licence holders. Let us begin by accepting that the current test has a high degree of subjectivity, with the acquisition of a full driver's licence more dependant on the whim and mood of the driving examiner than on an objective and fairly regulated testing system.
Madam, - I am incensed by Mr Seamus Brennan's imminent changes for provisional licence holders. Let us begin by accepting that the current test has a high degree of subjectivity, with the acquisition of a full driver's licence more dependant on the whim and mood of the driving examiner than on an objective and fairly regulated testing system.
The hypocrisy of demanding provisional drivers to sit a State-sanctioned exam while neglecting to provide any State-standardised training beggars belief.
Then, when we are forcibly removed from the very roads that our hard-earned taxes paid for, what do we find as our alternative? A progressively worsening public transport system with rising prices.
I can't help thinking that Mr Brennan's initiative smacks of ageism. That the Minister is not demanding the re-testing of those who acquired their licences during the amnesty is highly questionable. We need to ask if the Minister's crackdown on provisional drivers has been motivated by road safety or by the fact that 300,000 provisional drivers paying €38 per test will generate nearly €11.5 million in revenue.
Or am I just a cynic? - Yours, etc.,
DERMOT MOORE,
Cabinteely,
Co Dublin.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Madam, - The Minister for Transport's desire to see road deaths reduced is certainly to be commended, but his latest plans with regard to provisional driving licences seem ham-fisted. While it is hard to argue with his desire to have "L" drivers take the test as soon as possible, my own experience suggests this is not as easy as it could be. I applied for my driving test last June. According to the Department of the Environment website, my chosen test centre had a 12-week waiting list. Upon contacting the Department in Ballina, I was told my test would be in "January or February" and that I should "ignore what the website says, it's completely out of date". If the Minister wants provisional drivers to take the test, a seven- to eight-month wait is hardly the way to go about it.
As a provisional driver on my second licence, I greatly value being allowed to drive unaccompanied, and am now faced with the prospect of completely changing my travel arrangements.
Then again, if we had a public transport system worth mentioning. . . - Yours, etc.,
J. QUINN,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Madam, - I have been greatly encouraged by the efforts of Mr Seamus Brennan to finally tackle the problems with traffic and driving which have been causing such carnage. His introduction of penalty points and his plans to regularise the provisional licence system deserve the highest praise.
However, it has long been my contention that the main problems lie, not in the lack of laws but in the enforcement of existing laws. We already have legislation in place to cover illegal parking, speeding, drink-driving, driving while using a mobile phone and many other offences. But every day I see these laws being ignored.
Perhaps the Minister should channel some of his undoubted energy into ensuring a more rigorous enforcement culture. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN O'REILLY,
Castle Park,
Dublin 22.