I was just trying to say what the general perceptions were. I knew that several weren't very accurate, and/or varied greatly from country to country
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As for traffic enforcement, I was mainly referring to the speed cameras. I hear they're quite a problem (is that true?). You're right that a lot of criminals are caught in traffic stops in the US, but they're still pretty rare. If you don't act like an idiot swerving in and out of traffic at 100 mph, you'll be ok in most areas. Around here, they'll pretty much only pull you over if you're acting drunk.
Also, I made a point of the car issue because I personally love driving. Even if I lived in an area with good public transport, I'd still want a nice car to wander around and have fun with. Looking at the prices of cars and fuel in England, it seems that someone must be rather rich to own anything interesting (other than a motorcycle).