I see red I see red I see red

Melbourne car culture: Seeing red
Drive in traffic for just about any length of time, any day of the week, and you're likely to witness the ugly side of human behaviour. What may start out as a small motoring mistake, such as getting into the wrong lane, can quickly provoke retaliatory aggressive driving from an adjacent motorist - from tailgating, horn-honking and finger signs to verbal abuse.

From a personal perspective, Melburnians come across as a well-intentioned but peculiarly self-absorbed bunch. Unfortunately some have an unnerving ability to believe they're more altruistic and/or knowledgeable than reality keeps playing out. Especially behind the steering wheel.

Yesterday afternoon, young Tim revealed plans to target 'hoon' drivers. It's tough call whether these new laws are more nanny state zealousness or plain useless.

New Zealand: Planners making a hash of inner city
The mayoral taskforce on urban design is a welcome addition to the push for a better-looking Auckland. Until now, Auckland's city councillors were like a group who had bought a sheep farm intending to convert to dairying while the council staff thought it was okay to use the same paddocks and were busy arguing about how to get the cows into the woolshed.

That's too good, now keep that quote in mind and peruse the latest approach to inner Melbournes traffic woes:

Carrot? Stick? Levy on city car parks proposed
Melbourne City Councillors will consider a levy on commercial car parks in the city's central business district in an attempt to reduce traffic congestion.

But, but, but....what about fixing languishing 19th century infrastructure so public transport is an viable alternative instead of simply financially slugging people? London has congestion charges, but it has a far more comprehensive public transport system. Barely scratch the surface of this vexing transport issue, Oh shit, run away, run away