That's no cheque in the mail

Recently, I had a parcel notice in the mailbox. I wasn't expecting anything and there was no imminent special occasion, so naturally I was psyched to find out what exciting thing was waiting for me. I went to the post office, signed for my mystery delivery and was promptly handed a large yellow envelope. No parcel after all. I flipped it over to check the return address. After all, plenty of fun things can still be sent in large yellow envelopes.

What I quickly learned: fun things almost never ever come in large yellow envelopes marked "Ville de Montreal".

Back in my car in the parking lot, I ripped open the package. A barrage of papers spilled out. I leafed through them and stopped on the grainy black and white image of what looked to be my Prius - easily a good car-length ahead of everyone else on a section of roadway. Under it was a close up image of the license plate. My license plate. And a fine for $110. It was one of those red-light camera speeding tickets. And here's the suckiest part: My boyfriend was the driver that day. But, since the car is registered in my name only, I'm the one whose squeaky clean record gets sullied on a technicality. He, on the other hand has enough paperwork to start a small recycling plant.

But I digress. I have no issues with the red light cameras or with any of form of ticketing procedure (and I definitely know who's name will be on our next vehicle ownership). If it keeps the roads safe, it's is fine by me. But what about my 15 years blemish-free? What about the fact that I follow rules and am a safe and courteous driver?

Maybe we oughta look to Bulgaria. Yeah, that' s right Bulgaria. They've recently launched a positive re-enforcement campaign for drivers in the capital of Sofia.

Seems that the drivers there have a blatant disregard for crosswalks (Ahem! Remind you of anyone?). So the police in the city decided to start rewarding good behaviour. Every time a motorists stops at a crosswalk to give pedestrians the right of way, they get a reward. And honest to god, that reward is free salami. Salami! Not even a good steak, for crying out loud. Apparently local police believe Bulgarians love salami so much, they can be bribed to become more courteous drivers. And aside from the consequential glove compartment stink, it appears to be working.

So what about Montreal? Could we be bribed? I recently took this question to my radio show asking callers if they could get a 'reward', what would they like to receive from cops for good driving? Imagine - you're stopped at a crosswalk. A police officer saunters up to your window, leans in and says, "You're a courteous driver. In return, I'd like to present you with this token of our appreciation..." What would you want? Answers ranged from free coffee, poutine and cookies to gas cards, reductions off registration fees or a discount off their 'next ticket'.

Personally, I'd be satisfied with getting a parcel in the mail. With something fun in it.