Rationing ‘the least trouble?

Press, 9 May 1979, Page 6

Rationing ‘the least trouble?

Rationing is the first choice of the public for controlling petrol consumption. Week-end petrol-station closings come a close second. Carless days, in third place, are well behind. These responses were given to a survey question about which method of controlling petrol consumption would cause the least inconvenience. Rationing attracted 32 per cent, week-end closings 29 per cent, and earless days 17 per cent. The only other choice with double-figure support was harsher penalties for speeders. Eleven per cent said that such an action would inconvenience them least. The results come from a “New Zealand Herald”National Research Bureau survey of 2200 persons aged 15 and older selected by random probability methods. The survey was held throughout New Zealand at the end of March.

People were shown a list of choices and were asked: “Which method of controlling petrol consumption would inconvenience you the least?” Their preferences for the listed methods are shown in the table. Preferences Per cent Restricted supplies available on an official ration system 32 No petrol sales on week-ends 29 Carless days 17 Harsher penalties for exceeding speed limits 11 The price of petrol raised above $2 a gallon 3 Restricted supplies available on a “first come, first served” basis 3 Other choices 3 Don’t know 2 The major “other choice” was some restriction on the size of cars or on the number of cars available to each household. Official rationing is preferred more by women than by men. It is preferred most by those aged 55 and over, and in Christchurch provincial areas. It is liked least by those aged 15 to 24, and in Auckland city. No-sale week-ends are preferred more by men (han women. They are preferred most by those aged 25 to 34,

and in Auckland city, and least by those aged 55 and over, and in Dunedin city. Carless days are preferred more by men than women. They are preferred most by those aged 15 to 24, and in Dunedin city, and least by those aged 55 and over, and in Auckland city. Harsher speeding penalties are preferred more by women than men. They are preferred most by those aged 15 to 24, and in Auckland provincial areas; and least by those aged 55 and over, and in Christchurch provincial areas. Higher petrol prices are preferred more by men than women. They are preferred most by those aged 35 to 44, and in Dunedin city, and least by those aged 45 to 54, and in Auckland city. “First come, first served” rationing is preferred more by men than women. It is preferred most by those aged 15 to 24 and in Auckland city, and least by those aged 55 and over, and in Wellington provincial areas. (Copyright 1979, “New Zealand Herald”