REALISM OF SPEED LIMITS QUESTIONED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30846, 3 September 1965, Page 1

REALISM OF SPEED LIMITS QUESTIONED

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, September 2. A call for realistic speed limits was made today by the general manager of the Auckland Automobile Association (Mr D. L. Perry) at the annual conference of the Traffic Institute.

“Today we are particularly concerned at the emphasis being placed by some authorities on the effect of speed in relation to road accidents,” he said. “We have serious doubts about the effectiveness as a safety measure of the rigid and comparatively low speed limit we have in New Zealand.” He said the 55 m.p.h. in restricted areas could be an extremely hazardous speed. When the vast majority of motorists, using their common sense, realised that 55 miles an hour was unsafe for the prevailing circumstances, they slowed down to a safe speed. In precisely the same way many motorists exceeded the prescribed limit and travelled at speeds which were illegal but safe. His association wanted an investigation into the advisability of a 35 m.p.h. limit in built-up areas. RESTRICTED DRIVERS The institute supported a suggestion of the Secretary of Justice (Mr J. L. Robson)

that the Transport Act be amended so that a driver allowed to drive in the course of his employment, but otherwise disqualified, should have his licence endorsed to that effect by the court. At present the act requires the cancellation of the licence and the issue of a new one with restrictive conditions by the appropriate local authority. CHEMICAL TESTING

The institute will urge the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) to include in legislation provision for chemical testing of drivers for intoxication. This was suggested in a remit from the Lower Hutt traffic superintendent, Mr A. J Archer.

Mr H. E. Campin (New Lynn) said this was one of. the greatest problems at present. Statistics showed that there was an increasing appreciation of the very high part played by liquor in traffic accidents. The only effective way of doing anything about it was the chemical testing of drivers. The institute also decided to ask the Minister to bring

down legislation to indicate the method of marking, at eight controlled intersections, where and how pedestrians should cross the road.