OVERTAKING ON BENDS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27226, 18 December 1953, Page 3

OVERTAKING ON BENDS

HEAVIER PENALTY ON MOTORISTS

LICENCE SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 17. Motorists convicted of overtaking or attempting to overtake a vehicle when visibility ahead is less than 300 ft are now liable to lose their licence to drive. By regulations gazetted today a licence may be suspended for a minimum period of 28 days or cancelled, according to the seriousness of the offence. Suspension or cancellation of a licence is automatic with the conviction of an offender, except in cases where the Court may judge the imposition of this penalty to be not warranted. An offender is also liable to a maximum fine of £5O.

These penalties also apply to drivers convicted of failing to keep to the left when clear visibility is less than 300 ft.

The Minister of Transport (Mr W. S. Goosman) said today that the regulations had been introduced to give effect to provisions in the Transport Amendment Act, passed during the recent session of Parliament. “They are based on recommendations of the Road Safety Council that heavier penalties be imposed for breaches of traffic rules that have been the cause of many accidents,” he said. “There can be little sympathy for drivers who jeopardise the safety of others on the roads by careless overtaking or by not keeping to the left on blind bends or rises where visibility is closely restricted. ‘‘The penalties announced in the new regulations clearly indicate the Government’s opinion that this type of driver is a menace. If any driver fails to obey the rules of safety he must be put off the road-—for his own sake, as much as for the protection of others.”