Proponents of police not giving chase for road or any other law being broken ignore the fact that the driver has acted illegally and by their actions have put other lives at risk, not just their own.

Perhaps the laws should reflect that fact with harsher penalties.

There are occasions when police chases are warranted.

The chase they approve of can kill just as any other chase when individuals act irresponsibly.

Calls for greater increase in driver education, safer cars and appeals to common sense may appeal to some.

However, recent police figures in Bendigo and elsewhere have shown how ineffective these programs have been.

They have not worked despite all the money and resources thrown at the problem by politicians.

Opinions can differ on exactly what the circumstances would be concerning safety of police and public, because different people have different perceptions of the risks and different objectives.

But I for one support the police and their procedures, as social justice demands conformity to the law.

In the principal of fairness, all in society or the community should be treated equally.

Or are we talking about social engineering, the manipulation of a social position and function of individuals in order to manage change in a society?

Has the state government stopped the rorts caused by the loophole that allows speeding drivers and other traffic offenders to pay a higher fine to safeguard demerit points?

This has allowed 50,000 drivers each year to elect for a higher fine, leading to government revenue of $112 million over three years.

Are we serious about speeding drivers? I don't think so.

Meanwhile police put their lives on the line daily for members of the public who just don't care.

BILL COLLIER

Golden Square