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When I’m in Finland or Germany, I am always struck by the almost impeccable road democracy. There is space for all people — motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and cars.

Traffic lights are synchronised and work all the time, motorways run efficiently and rarely does one see traffic police on the roads.

There is road democracy when all users have their secure space on the roads, free from lunatics on mobile phones, couples arguing or getting caught behind dangerous old bangers struggling to hit the 60 kilometer mark.

Sound familiar?

Last night’s drive into Nicosia from Larnaca could have been scripted by the writers of the Carry On films, moments after turning on the highway, I was stuck behind a crummy beach buggy, then overtaken by a clapped-out moped with two teenage boys grinning at my then cut up by a loony with a huge bonnet looming in my rear-view mirror attempting a breakaway at suicidal speed.

Yes I’m talking about the main Nicosia high speed artery, the one which is meant to be for cars and trucks traveling at speeds of between 80 and 120 Kph – the one featured every evening on the news as reports of crashes and deaths dominate our screens.

Is the Minister of Transport is aware of the problems and potential solutions to our over-burdened motorways? When he is not dreaming up new and increasingly barmy ideas like the failed two-plus system, he should go for a little drive and check it out.

The current dual carriageway was perfect for the solving the growing traffic problem a decade ago – but now it is near useless.

Sometimes I think it may be worth printing a sticker reading “I do not drive fast. Please overtake”, but then again, getting to any considerable speed on that highway is impossible.

Rant over, now don’t start me on the Mall of Cyprus car park….