TRAFFIC CONTROL IN N.Z.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28938, 4 July 1959, Page 15

TRAFFIC CONTROL IN N.Z.

Single Authority n Advocated 'To describe the present system of traffic control in New Zealand I win have to coin a new word—‘triplication’: we have the Transport Department with one zone of activity, the local council traffic departments- controlling the city, and in certain cases the police also being called to.” said Mr P. M. Mac Shane at a meeting oftbe council cd the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Mac Shane urged the chamber to support a suggestion made at a recent meeting <of magistrates that traffic control in New Zealand be unified under one authority instead of three. The chamber’s transport and Parliamentary bills committees will investigate the suggestion and report at a later meeting. At present three sets of records were kept of traffic offenders and tiie administration of the traffic laws varied in different areas, said Mr Mac Shane.

Under a single authority records could be centralised and the duplication of staff avoided. The traffic laws could be administered with greater efficiency, economy and uniformity. Traffic control under the jurisdiction of the police would be regarded by the public with more seriousness. The vice-president (Mr R.’ C. Neville) said the question should be cnnslflsss if on.« broader basis. It was really a matter for the transport committee of the Associated Chambers as each area bad its local difficulties and anomalies. The licensing of transport by the Transport Department “just did not work* and was another matter that should be considered, he Mid.

“We all know that there are already three sets of records kept here in Christchurch—by the City Council, the Transport Department and the Police,” said Mr B J. Drake. “It must be remembered that tiie decision to prosecute is always made by an individual.”