NEW TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27203, 21 November 1953, Page 2

NEW TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

“IMPOSSIBLE AND IMPRACTICABLE”

PROTEST BY MOTOR UNION

The recent legislation requiring all hired motor-vehicles and public transport vehicles to stop at railway crossings was described as “impossible and impracticable” by members of the South Island Motor Union in Christchurch last evening. After dis.cussion, it was decided to urge the Government to reconsider its legislation in section II of the Traffic Act, 1953, as ‘ ‘it was not in all cases in the best interests of traffic, and had been found impracticable.” The union will object to the legislation requiring all traffic to stop when children are set down by or taken on board school buses.

“These two amendments will bring the law into disrepute, through being disobeyed,” said Mr C. M. Rout. “Obedience is impossible and impracticable. Thousands of lines are crossed by taxis. They don’t stop because there is no need to stop.” If all hired traffic and public transport vehicles were stopped at the Riccarton crossing on a race day, there would be a line of, vehicles stretching back to Cathedral square, he said. “The policing of our roads is the main trouble,” said Mr Rout. “If our roads were policed in the way of education, with prosecution if necessary, that would be the remedy rather than bring in extra legislation.”

“Hasty” Legislation “Can’t we object strongly to the authorities for pushing this legislation through in haste and without the consultation of the motor unions in both islands?” said Mr W. R. Carey, when the meeting discussed the regulation requiring all traffic to stop when school buses were taking on or setting down passengers. “We must raise an objection ’to all stoppage,” Mr Carey said. “Why should oncoming traffic on the other side of the road nave to stop as well as traffic behind the bus?” he asked. “We should object to closing the road while children are embarking or disembarking from buses.” Under the present education system, children soon become conversant with traffic regulations and it should not have been necessary to bring in the amended legislation, said Mr Carey. School buses travelling into the city could cause a “terrific” holdup. The two resolutions were then passed to be conveyed by the secretary to the Government.