Tow-away plan still likely

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 38183, 24 March 1973, Page 16

Tow-away plan still likely

Towing away ears parked in the “clearway” area of Lichfield Street between I p.m. and 6 p.m. is still being considered by the Christchurch Citv Council.

“We are looking at the bylaw at present, and we are also studying calling tenders from operators, to give us a price for towing these vehicles away.” the chairman of the council’s traffic committee (Cr W. Massey) said yesterday. The council had no intention of trying to make money from the scheme, he said, but even one vehicle left parked defeated the purpose of the clearway. Clearways in Colombo Street, night and morning — the east side (inwards) in the morning, the west side (outwards) in the evening—were being investigated also, he said.

“However, until we can operate a tow-away service.

t and make sure that offending I vehicles can be taken away, [there is not muchsense in j implementing them.” ( Told that there had been, i complaints that sign-posting . for the Lichfield Street clear- ( way area was inadequate, and, that when they saw meters, ’ people tended to use them. I ( without looking for any signs' which might also be posted, | Cr Massey said it was con-( I ceded this could happen. . There were six-inch by, four-inch signs under the [meters, giving details, he: (said. Now. the council] i planned to paint the meter] ; heads white, fix new signs on( I the meter heads themselves, land erect modified signs on; 1 the pavement. Where dual-head meters; , were in use, there would be | (signs between the two meter] j heads.

When it was suggested that towing away offenders would probably lead, in some cases, to the police receiving ] complaints from distressed women about stolen cars, t r Massev said discussions on this had still to be held with the police. i “First of all. we have to peruse the by-law, to make sure we have the authority Then we will be looking at the tow-away. and whose responsibility it will be. If a sign was put on every meter, there would be no reason why people should not be aware of the clearway. “it will work, all right. If is necessary because we have now diverted 29 per cent of the traffic off Colombo Street through the Square alterations. and much of this is now diverted onto LichfieiO Street” ■___