REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28986, 29 August 1959, Page 15

REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES

Private-Business Use Discussed

The South Island .Motor Union, which earlier was inclined to favour amalgamation of classes four (private) and five (business) in motor-vehicle registration to avoid breaches through private, cars being used for business purposes, is having second thoughts on the matter. One of the chief arguments in favour of amalgamation was that an owner might find trouble about insurance if it was found that an accident occurred to a private car while it was on a business trip. One of the chief arguments against amalgamation was that although the difference in registration fee might be small, comprehensive insurance cover for both uses might be considerably more costly. Mr E. R. Casbolt (Canterbury) yesterday suggested a compromise which the union thinks has merit and it will be referred to associations.

If all vehicles were placed in class five (business) unless the owner signed a special declaration to register in class four and accept the strict restrictions against business use, most anomalies could be avoided, Mr Casbolt said. There was nothing wrong or difficult about two classes, except the accidental or deliberate use of private cars for even minor business trips by some owners. They could be apprehended for such breaches; but the loss of insurance cover in case of accident would shock most of them more. Mr W. R. Martyn (Nelson) said he still favoured amalgamation. “It would cost 3s more for all of us to know where we are,” he said. Greater Cost Greater costs were involved, said Mr J. E. V. Turpin (Otago) Different companies employed differing methods in arranging comprehensive insurance and. with some, it would cost the genuine “private” motorist many pounds more if he were lumped in the joint class four and five category.

The whole question hinged on that, said Mr J. C. Kirkness (North Otago). The union would wish to see all vehicles classed properly according to their usage; but, as automobile associations represented mainly private motorists, it must see that the many did not suffer to overcome the breaches of a few. “We must reach finality on this thing,” said the president (Mr G. W. Ferens, Otago). “It has been going on too long.” He thought Mr Casbolt’s “germ of an idea” had a lot of merit.

It was agreed to refer this proposal to associations and prepare to take a final vote.