A long time ago the only penalty for speeding was a hefty fine. These fines increased on a regular basis as politicians tried to convince voters that they were trying to make our roads safer.
The problem was that fines did not deliver equality of punishment. What was a trifling amount to a rich man was a crushing blow to someone on the minimum wage - and so demerit points were devised to provide a level playing field.
Rich or poor. Accumulate enough points and you lose your driving license.
It was a good idea, but it was quickly corrupted. Loss of points were added for a whole range of minor offences, many of which had little impact on road safety - and then came that electronic marvel - the fixed speed camera.
Suddenly it was a whole new ball game. School zones had varying speed limits at varying times and in general these " revenue raisers " recorded people minutely over the limit - and dished out both fines and the loss of demerit points.
The problem was that the penalty was the same for one or two kph over the limit - or up to fifteen kph over the limit - a loss of three demerit points which doubled if it happened during a public holiday weekend.
License loss often meant job loss - and this contributed to a sharp increase in those still driving on a cancelled license, depriving other road users of insurance protection and causing a degree of public resentment at what was considered an " unjust law ".
Now there are moves to vary this demerit point loss to recognise the degree of speeding.
It is a welcome application of common sense, but it would also be appropriate to give demerit points generally a long, hard look.
Is picking up or setting down a passenger on a bus stop or a loading zone such a heinous crime to deserve potential loss of license ?
Many would think not !
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