Speed Limits As “Maximum”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 12

Speed Limits As “Maximum”

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 23. “Motorists will be safer drivers, suffer less strain and enjoy their driving more if they realise that the speed limits are maximum and not minimum ‘limits’,” said the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) today The Minister made these comments when announcing a road safety week, beginning tomorrow, when traffic authorities will concentrate upon the dangers of reckless speeding, and of driving too fast for weather, road and traffic conditions.

"Checks carried out by

the Transport Department’s traffic engineers on first-class sections of State highways, including motorways, show that extremely high speeds are rare even under perfect weather, traffic, and road conditions

“However. what many drivers fail to appreciate is that the speed at which they travel must be adjusted to driving conditions. “When weatiher is bad. traffic is heavy, or when pedestrians and cyclists are about, drivers’ speeds must be moderated. In certain circumstances, it is reckless to drive at even 20 miles

an hour. “There are drastic penalties for those Who drive too fast for the circumstances." said Mr McAlpine “The most serious is death. Much less serious are the legal penalty of losing qne's driving licence for a year, a term of imprisonment, or a fine of up to £lOO. “The skill required to fudge what is a safe speed for many varying conditions met on the read is the mark of a good driver. Last year, enough drivers tailed to exercise, this skill., to. kill or injure two people every day," Mid Mr McAlpine.

Piha Rock Still Moving (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, August 23. The 50ft rock at Piha which has been slipping towards the roadway was still moving very slowly, the Waitemata County Council was told by its engineer (Mr L J. McKenzie) today. It has moved 7in in 14 days.