M.P.’s blitz questions

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33373, 3 November 1973, Page 20

M.P.’s blitz questions

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. The Minister of Transport (Sir Basil Arthur) was questioned in Parliament about the recent traffic blitzes in Hamilton and Christchurch.

Mr H. J. Walker (Nat., Papanui) asked what action the Minister was taking to eliminate road accidents caused by faulty workmanship in New Zealandassembled cars, such as the recent examples of front suspension having fallen off moving vehicles. Sir Basil Arthur replied that one of the main functions of the recent traffic en-

forcement campaigns had been the attempt to reduce) the number of road accidents! by significantly increasing) traffic enforcement activities! in a particular area. While traffic officers would certainly report any cases which they observed of faulty workmanship likely to cause road accidents, the detection of such a fault was usually made by vehicle inspectors in the course of their inspections for certificates and warrants of fitness. “This is a continuing process, and the Ministry’s officers are at all times on the lookout for vehicle faults which are likely to cause accidents,” said Sir Basil Arthur.

When cases such as the one referred to by Mr Walker were brought to the notice

of the Ministry of Transport they were investigated and

and the appropriate action was taken. Mr Walker also asked if part of- the blitz involved traffic officers following almost “in the boot” of motorists for miles. Sir Basil Arthur said normal procedures were followed during the blitz and an officer would follow closely only for three-tenths of a mile to check a motorist’s speed.

When Mr Walker said a motorist had been followed for five miles, Sir Basil Arthur said some of the traffic officers in Christchurch had meals at Wigram, and could have been on the way to eat. Finally, Mr Walker’s reason for raising the question became apparent. “Would it make any difference if the motorist was a member of Parliament?” he asked. Sir Basil Arthur assured him that it would not.