Revenue raising

They're at it again. Tonight, the ad for Today Tonight on Channel 7 showed a story about police being made to fill quotas for speeding fines and the like. A very indignant voice-over stated that the government is revenue raising and they're after you! Well, here's the thing. There is only one way the government can raise revenue in relation to vehicle fines. It's not putting more police with radar guns on the road. It's not hiding them behind bus stops or underpasses. It's not mobile units following us. It's not giving the police quotas to fill. Are you ready for it? The only way the government can raise revenue is ...

IF YOU BREAK THE LAW.

That's right. If you drive within the speed limit, wear your seat belt, don't talk on you mobile phone, don't get distracted by the stereo or your passengers, don't road rage, you won't get a fine and the government CANNOT raise revenue from you.

And you know what? There's a couple of added bonuses that the tv shows usually leave out of their sensationalised stories. Driving safely not only helps you avoid fines; it also increases your chances of getting to your destination in one piece. Imagine if everyone drove like that, everyone would get where they wanted to go. No more death knocks on the door. The other bonus is the government would not need to raise revenue - revenue that goes to our hospital and rehabilitation centres, where the victims of idiots end up - because those costs would decrease. Win-win in my opinion.

The only time I want to hear someone griping about a ticket is if a genuine mistake has been made. I'm sure it happens, no system (or person) is infallible. Then, and only then, do you have the right to complain. Otherwise, shut the hell up, get a clue, and do the right thing. It might just save your life.