There seems to be a number of reasons for the decline, and very often culprits go unpunished, while those on the receiving end can end up with hefty repair bills or even forced out of the sport as funds dry up.

This is not an acceptable situation and, at last, it looks as though the governing body, the MSA, are going to act.

First, let us realise that everyone wants close racing and that accidents will happen, but all too often deliberate contact or dangerous tactics are applied. Fortunately, serious injuries are now very rare, mainly due to increased safety measures at race circuits and, especially with single-seat cars, the methods of construction.

As a result, drivers have the idea they can get away with actions which would previously have had a serious outcome. That is no excuse for bad manners, and the guilty must be punished.

However, when an incident happens, the organisers must be sure someone was doing wrong, and ensure the right person is punished.

To this end, judges-of-fact are positioned around the track, often assisted by video footage. It is not an easy task, and not one I would want.

I would mention, that in my role as commentator, I should not point the finger when an incident happens – even if it is obvious who is to blame – that way I cannot influence the judge's decision.

My involvement has been in rallycross, a sport which was often referred to – wrongly in my opinion – as high-cost banger racing.

Rallycross now seems to have got its house in order and racing is much cleaner, but has lost none of its close-racing features. However, when there were forceful tactics, they went unpunished far too often.

What should the punishment be? It needs to reflect the serious nature of the incident. A minor incident: probably nothing more than a good reprimand, but as the damage increases so should the outcome.

I do not personally believe in a points-on-your-licence system, as this could see drivers continuing, basically free from penalty if they then behave themselves.

A ban that could cover a period – from one race through to a complete season – would seem appropriate to me. In a situation where the innocent party suffered damage to their car, why not make the culprit pay for the damage?

In some cases, punishing offenders does not get to the root of the problem. Most young single-seat drivers come from the world of karting, and it is here, at a young age, that manners and racecraft should be taught. So, parents, set an example and teach youngsters how to present themselves.

DIARY DATES. Motor Racing. Thruxton, Hants, BARC, Saturday and Sunday. British Touring Car Championship, also Seat Cupra with Martin Byford.
Sprint. Bentwaters Park, Borough 19 MC, Sunday.

Short Circuit. Mildenhall Raceway, Saturday, 7pm. Saloon Stockcars, Ministox, Van Bangers.

Foxhall Stadium, Saturday, 6.45pm. John Earrey Memorial Meeting. Superstox, Lightning Rods, Bangers.

Great Yarmouth, Sunday, 6.30pm. 2.0 Hot Rods, Rookie Rods, Bangers.