M.O.T. eyes on risk takers

Press, 11 May 1979, Page 17

M.O.T. eyes on risk takers

“Amber gamblers" — motorists who do not attempt to slop al intersections when the lights turn amber — are in for a hard time from the Ministry of Transport.

'•‘There have been an inordinate number of offence during recent peakhour blitzes,” said Senior City Traffic Officer E. E. Dunlop. “The situation is getting worse.

“During exercises we have put officers at each intersection on the onewav streets to get people to recognise their obligation to stop and also to detect offences,” he said. ' Efforts will continue,

but 1 ma not hopeful as to success in this matter. Cyclists cause the problem more than cars, but we have limited powers here. “It will be a long, hard battle to improve the situation. Unfortunately, we cannot maintain a concentrated effort, out we shall try to carry out the bl'tzes at least twice a week,” Mr Dunlop said. “The whole community is flagrantly breaking the law,” said the Mahor of Christchurch (Mr H. G. Hay) “The extent to which drivers in this city g.> through amber and red lights creates a very serious traffic hazard.'

“It is almost a moral issue. People are just dishonest. We are all probably guilty, but we must make everyone realise they are playing with people’s lives,” he said.