THERE can be little sympathy for motorists who flout the law.

Those caught speeding or carrying out illegal manoeuvres deserve to be punished.

In principle, therefore, there is no objection to giving traffic wardens new powers to impose fines for minor offences.

Police officers are well paid and highly trained. The time and effort they take in handing out tickets to drivers can be put to better use in combating more serious crime.

However, we wonder whether the expense of installing cameras to catch errant motorists is a worthwhile use of public money. Surely, if such money is available, then it would be better spent, for example, on increasing the presence of beat officers on the streets.

The Government's assertion that such reforms will ease traffic problems across Britain is utter nonsense.

If Alistair Darling thinks that the chronic congestion on our roads is caused by drivers straying into box junctions, taking illegal right-hand turns or ignoring amber lights, he is sadly mistaken.

These measures have nothing to do with improving the flow of traffic or road safety, but everything to do with taking even more money from already heavily-taxed motorists.

Figures, please

IT is too early to gauge the chances of the consortium headed by businessman Mark Meynell taking control of Darlington Football Club.

The initial proposals, suggesting a key role for the Darlington Supporters Trust, have much in their favour.

Giving the fans a stake in the club and a say in its future may be crucial in ensuring its survival.

However, it is clear that the exact financial plight of the club needs to be assessed before any firm bid can be tabled.

The onus, therefore, is on the administrators to sort out the affairs of the club as soon as possible to put it on a secure footing in the short term.

The continued uncertainty can be doing nothing for the confidence of a team languishing in the relegation zone of Division Three.