MOTOR TAXATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 12

MOTOR TAXATION.

REVIEW BY STATE. NEW SYSTEM OF CONTROL "A CAR FOB. EVERY FAMILY." (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Friday. "The whole'question of motor taxation is. being reviewed with a view to simplifying the present complicated system," said the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R, Semple, in an interview on hi 3 arrival in Invercargill ..his afternoon. "Roads are being made much safer: with the object of encouraging people to use them and of preserving human life," continued the Minister. "A simple national system ■ of control is beinr; adopted in place of the former complicated system of local restrictions, under whteh neither motorist nor anyone else lenew his responsibilities. Far-reaching proposals are being carried out .for improving, widening and straightening the highways of the Dominion. "All these proposals are aimed at promoting the development of all forms, of motor transport. ■ One of the main points of the Government's policy is to promote the test roads possible for motoring and to.ensure that these Toads are not death traps. .Control.of Traffic. . this policy: it 'is hoped that the benefits of-.ecience in the form of the modern car may be enjoyed by all citizens in• this country. Personally/I would like to see a, motor car for every family.

"As I visualise the position at present, it seems desirable that there should be three main divisions of traffic control," said Mr. Semple. "These should he, firstly, four main metropqlitan districts where the traffic, inspectors should be under one control in each district. These districts will comprise the four main cities and surrounding centres, which, for purposes of motor traffic control may be regarded as single units. Secondly, boroughs with popular tions of 6000 and over, which'-will control their own traffic, and, thirdly, there are the smaller towns and rural areas, ■which will be under a national system of control.

"I wish to refer particularly, at;the moment .to the four metropolitan'districts. No less than approximately 35 per cent of the total motor vehicles in New Zealand are located in these districts, and they are the.areas of the greatest traffic density. During the last seven years approximately 40 per cent' of the fatal accidents have occurred in these areas. Greater Road Safety. « "It will, therefore, be readily appreciated that if ■we are to aim at safer roads and streets, we must have the most efficient system : of control it is possible to obtain in these areas. It seems to me that with the whole of the enforcement staff in each district under one control, the system would be uniform, elastic and more efficient than the present diversified control. I feel confident that the. unified system of traffic control will result in much better traffic conditions and will .be a,big step in the direction of coping with'the road" accident problem." Mr. Semple' concluded ; by'referring 1 to tie spirit of helpfulness and co-opera-, tion on the part of the bulk, of the motoring public.