streets with regard to traffic.'' He is correct of course but many people will be asking why it took so long for decisions to be made.

"I'm sure that with the behaviour changes which will come into place, we will see an improvement in the conduct on our streets.'' The latter is a reference to the three stage attack on traffic which will start with education, then target enforcement in specific areas with warnings being given if necessary and a final phase of throwing the book at cyclists and motorists who fail to get the message.

Will it work? Given the conditions on the roads it is certainly worth trying and it might if it is carried through but we must recognise a tendency to start this kind of programme and then let it lapse, the programme rather than action being seen as the solution.

However there is a special 29 person strong traffic task force which begins work on the traffic problem starting today. There are serious problems with speeding, overtaking on bends, people who regularly jump red lights, and overtaking on the inside. There is also a great deal of obstructive double parking and people riding cycles on the sidewalks either "for fun'' or to pass lines of traffic.

We think there should also be a crack-down on excessively noisy vehicles and on unlicensed vehicles. But more than that, Police should keep a very close watch for suspended drivers who have contempt for the courts and simply go on driving.

Chief Inspector Larry Smith, who is in control of the Police traffic department, is quoted as saying, "We have a serious problem and it's cause for concern. Motorists are just totally oblivious to the laws of the land.'' Acting Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay has warned, "People who believe thay can continue to speed after we provide the public with the opportunity to change and remind them about road safety had better start saving their money.

It will be very costly for them.'' That, of course, is something of an empty threat as long as magistrates continue giving time to pay fines and people then do not pay. It seems to us that if this programme is going to have a serious impact then the courts should collect the fines on the spot, people will get the money rather than go to jail. Otherwise there are offenders who simply laugh at the law and walk happily away. Thus we think the courts sould be included in this "crack-down''.

We think there is general agreement that the roads have to improve because right now they are close to creating rage among residents and discomfort for visitors.