Rob, I still have a Western Australian drivers license so I'm sure they'll trace it through the car rental people. If I don't pay the fine I lose it. I agree that the road toll achieved is commendable but they're never satisfied. They don't understand the point of diminishing returns. If we strictly enforce a 5 mph speed limit we'd probably cut the toll in half, but what would happen to our freedom of mobility? Of course the government dependence on the huge revenue generated by the current state of affairs is also a reason things will only get worse.
They're talking about reducing the open road speed limit in WA from 110 kph (68 mph) to 100 (62 mph), which most other states already have done. If you've driven on any of the roads outside of Perth (long, lonely, flat hwys) you'll understand how ridiculous this will be. (For those that aren't aware of the size of WA, it's just like Texas, except it's big!) In the US they recently went the other way, ditching the old national 55 mph limit standard. We now have up to 75 mph limits in Colorado. I guess the only bright light is that motorcycles seem to be immune to photo radar due to no front number plate being required, although I've heard that this may be addressed soon too. Yes US dollars go a long way in OZ and I'm constantly thinking about moving back. I just wish driving on the roads wasn't such an ordeal. How will I ever get another GTS there too? There's only a few in the whole country isn't there? Cheers Joe. -----Original Message----- From: Rob Chapman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 9:14 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Australia (fluff) was fuel injector fluff Interesting, Joe! Did you show them your USA licence, and you got off? Random breath testing is also done on any road around a city, not just the major ones. Also the double demerit points for holidays is not only for speeding, but also for not wearing a seat belt (back or front), and any other misdemeanour. I think to have a low death rate (4 times less than Colorado and probably the same for injuries) is good. The other thing is that we have had these harsh rules for many years. Random breath testing came in in 1982, and compulsory seat belts from the 1970's. All children automatically put on a seat belt without thinking about it. Crash helmets have been legal for yonks. So when you have been brought up with them, you accept them more readily. I find the most frustrating thing is being caught up in a long line of traffic, and none dares to overtake, and on a 3 lane tollway, all the traffic is totally bunched up. In both cases people are afraid of radar...and our fines are quite savage. There are always places where one can go fast if one wants. I know dozens, and so do most motorcyclists. When all is said and done, you don't really arrive anywhere that much earlier going slower, you save wear and tear on your vehicle, use less fuel...and there is less risk of injury. There are some pluses, as anyone will tell you who has had a death or injury in their family. Well, Joe, would you recommend a visit to Oz in spite of our road rules? Did you feel rich again?! Regards, Rob Chapman ----- Original Message ----- ====================================================================================== NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. ==============================================================================
