The Points System

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 12

The Points System

Sir,—The points system is repugnant to British justice because the magistrate is deprived of the right of the use of his judgment according to the many varying circumstances involved in the same type of offence. Road speed is not the greatest danger. Statistics show that most accidents occur in the 30 m.p.h. range. Transport Department figures have shown that casualties through power poles have nearly doubled within two years. That most dangerous combination of stout Australian pole and gravel verge must be abolished. In Paris, street names are vividly marked on every corner; here street names and numbers are almost a closely-guarded secret This slows and throttles traffic and, with the plethora of “No Parking” signs, is a major cause of congestion. An even greater cause of congestion and dangerous overtaking is the evident acquiescence and support of our traffic authorities in our New Zealand method of single-file, centre-line drivin.—Yours, etc., SETH NEWELL. March 31, 1967. Sir,—The traffic authorities have obviously taken a lot of factors into consideration before they decided on a 100point system. What experience has “Sophocles” in matters of traffic misbehaviour to back up his system of 50 points?—Yours, etc, SOCRATES. March 30, 1967.