RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31349, 20 April 1967, Page 34

RANDOM REMINDER

TOP OF THE TABLES

The demerits system of points for motoring offences has been in operation for almost three weeks but it is still much too early to know whether it is likely to reduce the number of traffic accidents and traffic cases. It does seem, however, that those who planned the scheme overlooked one vital aspect of the business: the character of the New Zealand motorist. The New Zealander loves a competition, whether it be on Rugby, or racing, and to wring the full benefit from the points system, every motorist should be encouraged to feel he is

really taking part in a nation-wide test of skill. The whole affair should be conducted like an F.A. Trophy contest, in reverse —in other words, getting into division one is to be avoided, rather than sought after. It would be highly exciting, if those who had scored more than a certain number of demerit points were grouped in a first division, and their names published. There would be automatic promotion and relegation among the four divisions, membership of each one requiring the motorist to bear on his car a flag of appropriate colour. It would not be much fun, being a first division motorist and of course it

would be simplicity itself to use inter-city rivalry in the same way. Team totals, based on population, could lead to some magnificently safe and sensible driving. Even the hospitals could take part—working in reverse of course—so that the ones with the lowest admissions from traffic accidents led the way. It would all have to go over the news bulletins, of course. . . . “And now for this week’s motoring league results. Christchurch 4, Princess Margaret 2; St. George’s 5. Calvary 3" and so on. One never knows; they could even start paying transfer fees for you, if you behave yourself in your car.