Faulty Lights Found On 18 Per Cent Of Cars

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30482, 2 July 1964, Page 7

Faulty Lights Found On 18 Per Cent Of Cars

(Neto Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 30.. The Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) expressed concern today at the number of motor vehicles and bicycles found with poor or faulty lighting equipment during the recent nation-wide checks on lights. The checks were carried out by traffic staffs of local authorities and the Transport Department. “Over 25,400 motor vehicles were checked during May, and of these more than 4700, or 18. per cent, were found to have faulty lighting equip-' ment,” he said. Of the 5600 bicycles checked some 2000, or 36 per cent, were reported for lighting deficiencies. Traffic officers found a surprisingly large number of motor

vehicles operating on only one headlight, while far too many of the cycles were without headlights or tail-lights. “Poor Visibility” Mr McAlpine emphasised the importance of good lighting in poor visibility and weather, as well as legal hours of darkness. ' “There are far too many reports of drivers failing to put on their headlights andcontinuing to drive in ’the' deepening dusk with only side or parking lights showing,” he said.

This was a dangerous practice and motorists should put their headlights on as soon as visibility became doubtful, ensuring that their vehicles were conspicuous to otherdrivers and to pedestrians.