Driving around the roundabout does not give you the right of way. Theoretically, maybe it does, but would you risk it on our roads? And this is the question that got me to ponder about keeping one’s sanity while driving, without the air-conditioning on, around 5pm, driving past the airport. The heat, drivers’ rage, the horns, everybody acting like we were in bumping cars, makes one wonder how to keep cool and alive.
I had already driven past one accident and my full concentration was on avoiding one of my own. And then a bigger car swerved towards me to cross to a road he forgot to take and possibly through me. ‘Right of way is right of way, whether you are bigger than me or not,’ I thought to myself, smiled and continued to indicate my path. Finally the tunnel! What bliss! We are all moving in the same direction. Lights on, sunglasses off. How beautiful! Cooler air! The sun slowly letting go for the day. This is a really nice tunnel! Lights off, sunglasses on, but there is a policeman waving me to the side of the road.
And then the sentence hit me: ‘You did not switch your lights on in the tunnel.’ What? Is he serious? My Maltese is poor, but I just switched them off and put back on my sunglasses. Hello! The little voice kept repeating: ‘Keep composed – keep composed.’
This is not happening. I tried to explain, very patiently that I just got harassed at the roundabout, that my lights were on and there must be a mistake. ‘Sure’, and he took my documents and continued writing. Masses of cars were passing out of the tunnel, on average every other one without lights on, but that was not the point, all cars were a potential target. So I decided at least to find out what the next step was and Mr Policeman/Warden answered quickly. In disbelief that this was my first ticket.
You should hold on to the chit and when you receive another letter you may pay €23 at any local council, unless you wish to contest the ticket in which case it will be ‘your word against mine’. Great! What a relief! Now I feel safe, assured and blinded by the possibilities.
And if you thought that that was the end of my road less travelled, you would be mistaken. On the way back I stopped at the Marsa petrol station. If you have ever done this you will remember that there are just a few metres allowing you to exit and then you hit the bus lane. Of course, this is a big no-no wall, and you should never drive in that lane. Patiently and, I must add, so proud of myself not to have been cursing, so far I watched the river of cars come like a swarm of bees towards me and then there was one. The driver was so sure of himself, speeding like a maniac straight at me with a horn full blast, pushing me into the bus lane, which I was not going to take and he would have to wait. The fuse had gone. We gave each other looks and gifts, as he stormed passed me in the bus lane. I was certain that the other cars slowed down watching us.
So, there you have it. It is ‘my word against his’. I will pay my dues to you and may you spread the word further. Stick to your path and if Mr Policeman cannot see well and it costs you €23, at least you know that the laws are being applied. There is always somebody watching to see if you are taking the road less travelled.
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