The Road Toll

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31568, 4 January 1968, Page 8

The Road Toll

Sir, —The tragic increase in traffic accidents over the holidays should convince the Government that the steps so far taken to halt accidents are quite ineffective. Appealing to the good sense of the general run of drivers does little to strike at the cause, which is mainly speed coupled with lack of responsibility. It is significant that many drivers who have met with accidents have previously had one or more convictions for speeding. The penalties are generally inadequate and fail to impress or greatly inconvenience the guilty. I would in general suggest that in addition to a substantial fine for a first conviction, the licence be suspended for a month, and for further convictions the fines and periods of suspension be increased accordingly. As for consumption of alcohol the Government has a sound lead from England, and it remains to be seen if any members of Parliament have the intestinal fortitude of Mrs Barbara Castle.—Yours, etc., R. WREAKS. January 3, 1968.

Sir,—Regarding the rising number of deaths and injuries on our roads, have the authorities considered that adopting the Victorian State law which does not allow anyone to obtain a driving licence until the age of 18? Moreover, after the licence has been granted, there is quite a period of probation before a young person is allowed a free run on the roads. Visitors from Victoria lately have remarked on the lower standard of driving in the South Island as compared with that in Melbourne.— Yours, etc., OBSERVER. January 3, 1968.