Letters, Monday Sept. 15: These dangerous speeders are getting off too lightly, readers say. You can write to us too, at letters@ottawacitizen.com

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Re: How Ottawa’s stunt-driving is spiralling out of control, Sept. 5.

Stunt-driving penalties do not appear to be deterring drivers from excessive speeding. Every day, there are stories about these charges. It amazes me that a lawyer can use negotiation to reduce the penalties.

Whether it’s a driver’s first offence or not, the penalty should not be reduced. Drivers need to feel the consequences of their non-compliance with traffic laws.

Roberta Goulet, Ottawa

Thank you for the article on stunt driving. We live near Westgate Shopping Centre. We’ve been there 37 years. On way too many nights, we hear the loud zooming of cars and/or motorcycles.

Hilary Kemsley, Ottawa

In his book “Lemon Aid New Car Buyers’ Guide,” author Phil Edmonston referred to a Pontiac Trans Am as “a muscle car for muscle heads.” The description fits, as we struggle with stunt driving on our streets and roads.

To purchase a firearm in Canada I need to pass a background test that includes checks on mental health, a possible criminal record and any history of domestic violence. Surely the risk of allowing persons to drive high-performance cars and motorcycles is similar, if not equal, when public safety is the concern.

You should have to pass a similar test to own or drive one of these over-the-top cars and bikes and you should also be held responsible for anyone other then yourself behind the wheel of your “muscle” car.

Thomas Brawn, Orléans

Speeding and other traffic violation tickets are meant to discourage repeat offenders. However, a $200 ticket might be devastating for a poor driver but water off a duck’s back for a wealthier person. So the idea of making the ticket cost a function of income seems like a way to improve effectiveness fairly.

And if that seems too harsh, a first offence might require the offender to only pay part — say 50 per cent — with the balance payable upon a second offence. This might discourage violators better while increasing revenues to offset the cost of providing traffic surveillance.

Michael Wiggin, Ottawa

Your cover story on stunt driving praises Coun. Sean Devine’s crackdown on car racing, yet fails to mention any effort to work with the community that enjoys these activities. Demonizing people without offering safe, legal alternatives is not a........

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