Four Shots at Silence

High Street, Prahran. An ageing Toyota Corolla heads through drizzle for Punt Road. Once past Chapel Street the driver hesitantly encroaches on the tram tracks - signalling his intention to swing right into St Edmonds Road at the Zaks Gymnasium corner - and comes to a halt. A tram glides up behind, waiting for him to complete the turn. Cars join the queue. Nothing out of the ordinary. But when the lights change to green the Corolla doesn't move, although there is no oncoming traffic and the way is clear. Peremptorily the tram bell clangs three times. Without effect. The Corolla seems stuck, yet its motor has not stalled...