Ministry Restricts Use Of Microwave

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32005, 4 June 1969, Page 1

Ministry Restricts Use Of Microwave

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 3. Microwave speed detectors used by the Ministry of Transport had been restricted to 30 m.p.h. limits, and some prosecutions had been withdrawn, as a result of a D.S.I.R. test of the detectors, the Minister of Transport (Mr Gordon) said today.

Replying in Parliament to Sir Basil Arthur (Lab., Timaru), Mr Gordon said that the Ministry received a report from the department last week. The report said that The microwave equipment would give speed recordings accurate to better than plus or minus 3 per cent, provided the equipment was in good order, properly set up and operated, and was on a good

site. A number of potential sources of interference which could give false readings were unlikely to be of any practical significance. The D.S.I.R. considered that its observed range of about 90 yards for the

instrument made the instrument unsuitable for checking speeds of more than 50 m.p.h. The D.S.LR. was also doubtful whether microwave units should be used if several vehicles were In the beam at the same time. “I have directed the Ministry to restrict the use of microwave units to 30 m.p.h. areas until further checks on practical operating ranges for different types of vehicles have been carried out,” Mr Gordon said. “I have also directed the Ministry to withdraw all prosecutions arising from those circumstances where

the D.S.I.R. considers there is some doubt. “My officers are at present discussing the implications of the report with the local authorities concerned.” Mr Gordon said the report and a full statement would be released as soon as possible. 1 Because of the report, the i Ministry would not take enforcement action when there were several vehicles in the i beam of the unit at one time. | Mr Gordon said he might have to consult the AttorneyGeneral (Mr Hanan) about ‘the question of appeal against pending prosecutions where the accused considered an error had been made in the reading.