POST-WAR MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24603, 27 June 1945, Page 5

POST-WAR MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

SOUTH ISLAND UNION’S POLICY

PETROL TAX CONSIDERED EXCESSIVE

jJUf tackling of post-war motoring development from two aspects--anap-to the Government on the S^j 8 ? 0118^ 0 * m °t°r vehicles, highways, and taxation, and expansion of activities and services by Automobile As-sociations-was approved by the ex- °/ the i ® outh Island Motor H2i°P. last The executive deto ask all associations f6r their endorsement of the policy, as set out .special report by Mr R. Wilson (South Canterbury), and for their further views. . the post-war period, it cannot be doubted that motor transport, both business and private, will rapidly increase and much of the present stock of vehicles will require replacing,” said the report "and to enable the full benefit to be obtained for further economical development of the Dominion it is considered that motor vehicles and accessories should not be overburdened with high duties, that operation costs, such as licei ce fees, must be reduced to the minimum, that the restrictions on the import of petrol oil, tyres, and spare parts should be lifted." To provide for the proper upkeep and maintenance of motor vehicles, it was considered that a full and modern system of service stations; should be maintained; and to assist this, all war restrictions should be removed and service stations encouraged to develop their business on the most modem lines and to give the fullest possible service. All main highways should be brought up to standard specification, danger points such as narrow bridges, railway crossings, etc., eliminated to the.fullest possible extent, and the sealing of surfaces expedited to a greater width. Secondary highways should be improved beyond- the present standard. New roads for the development of scenic attractions should be given full consideration. To this end the question of motorists' taxation must be taken fully Into account. More attention was to the question of safety first than had been given in the past, the Safety Council having been allowed pr-'ctically to fade out of existence. -The incidence of taxation on the motoring public was of prime importance. The tax on petrol at Is 27-10 d a gallon (higher than in Great Britain and Australia) was definitely excessive, and produced an unecomonic impact upon the costs of industry, whether primary or secondary. “Further, this tax was originally Imposed for the purpose of providing and maintaining highways of a standard necessary for motor traffic, and it is considered that this question of funds provided for highways use is one that is of the utmost importance. The A.A. unions have repeatedly stressed this aspect (especially the conversion of such funds to other uses) and are of opinion that this question should be adjusted in accordance with the original status of motorists’ taxation.” It was suggested that among the fields for future expansion within the orbits of the individual associations were road service, club rooms, and legal service. Patrol officers gave scope for openings to assist in rehabilitation. The question’ of a 24-hour service by appointed stations should be given consideration by each association, in accord with local conditions. On the resumption of normal motoring there would be undoubtedly greater calls on the breakdown service. The adoption of a legal service by all associations on a uniform basis was desirable. The aspect of ervice to members of long association with the A .A. was at present in operation in certain associations, but there was no uniform basis. The matter of the adoption of such a scheme by all automobile associations was worthy of full consideration.