In recent times there have been several articles and letters about the appaling traffic conditions on our roads. At the time of writing there is a news report about a serous accident involving a private bus and a school bus. Even if one travels only on a single occasion from Colombo to Kandy he/she will notice the callous disregard with which private bus drivers overtake slower moving vehicles completely on the wrong side of the road, forcing other road users off the road. This is observed mainly on the Kandy road, where in fact single white lines are very clearly marked and very often traffic police are on duty to ensure that rules are obeyed.

The main trouble with traffic regulation in this island is that, in common with other areas of activity, there is a marked decline in standards. The authorities responsible for maintaining law and order do not think that ALL violations of law and order should be dealt with and tend to apply their own standards on what should be prevented and what should be ignored. The most disturbing development is when the officers of the law, themselves blatantly ignore traffic regulations.

There are two pedestrian crossings with traffic lights and traffic timers in Fort; one near Chatham Street and the other near the Standard Chartered Bank. Regardless of whether the lights are red, green or yellow, pedestrians cross as they wish and the few that wait for the light to change are made to look like "country bumpkins" and are very often the object of ridicule. What makes matters worse is that police officers also use these crossings without any regard for the lights. Recently I was standing waiting for the light to change when a police officer of the rank of Inspector (at least) blatantly crossed against the light. I raised my eye brows, looked at him and looked at the light. He had the grace to look embarrassed and muttered "hadisi rajakariyak". I will, of course, not repeat this, as the next officer could very well turn abusive.

The point is that the public do not feel that there is no discretion in observing traffic laws, or for that matter, any laws. Laws must be observed, and if not action MUST follow. If the people are to be given the discretion on when to cross or whether to go against a red light, then, please do away with the lights and at least save public funds.