‘Firm action’ on toll

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33424, 4 January 1974, Page 2

‘Firm action’ on toll

.Veic Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. January 3.

I he Christmas-New Year holiday road toll of 17 is the lowest since 1967. the Transport Ministry reported after the holiday period officially ended this morning.

However, the Minister of Transport (Sir Basil Arthur) said today that firm action would continue until the annual toll was ‘‘rolled back.” The holiday toll last year was 37, but this included an ■extra week-end in which 12 people died. i The 1971 holiday road toll was 26, in 1970 it was 18, in both 1969 and 1968 it was 20. and in 1967 it was nine. Last year’s toll reached a record 944, compared with 713 in 1972. So far this year there have been two road deaths. Sir Basil Arthur said today 'that firm action to cut the 'road toll was taken in 1973, land would be continued untill the toll was checked and i rolled back. ‘NO QUESTION” It was suggested to the Minister that the record toll might indicate that action last year was not firm enough.

Sir Basil Arthur replied that action in 1973 included the recruitment of more enforcement officers, and two blitzes (Hamilton and Christchurch) which had definitely reduced accidents. The methods and results were still being analysed.

•“There’s no question this was rigid enforcement,” he said. The wearing of crash helmets was made compulsory from December 1, and safety belts would be compulsory for all vehicles made since 1955, after January 1, 1975. A Parliamentary Select Committee had also made far-reaching proposals on road safety, said Sir Basil Arthur. Rigid enforcement, coupled “with an education policy, would be applied until the "Toll was checked and rolled '.back. i SAFETY RESEARCH Also, there would be . emphasis on research into , safety standards, and con- ’ tinued concentration on the '■ danger areas of excessive i speed, careles driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. However, one factor that , could not be regulated or ; legislated for was the ele- , Iment of human responsibility, said the Minister.

A.T.C. camp.—l4l Air 'Training Corps officers and cadets from throughout New Zealand will take part in this ; year’s cadet forces’ national bushcraft and survival camp at Dip Flat, in the Wairau 'River Valley, from January 9 to 22.—(P.A.)