POWER OF TRAFFIC INSPECTORS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3166, 8 June 1931, Page 6

POWER OF TRAFFIC INSPECTORS.

WIDE DISCRIMINATION. AUTHORISED TO ENFORCE REGULATIONS. Wide discrimination is allowed traffic inspectors by their appointment under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1924. They are authorised to see that the Motor Regulations are duly observed and to give "such reasonable directions to persons driving or in charge of motor vehicles upon any public road as may, in their opinion, ue necessary for the safe and efficient regulation of the traffic thereon."

The point is raised by a decision of the Magistrate in a Timaru case where tne right of a borough inspector, when beyond the borough's boundary, to demand defendant's hcc*;be, was questioned.

The regulation covering the point states: "A traffic inspector (appointed by any controlling authority being a local body) shall be entitled to exercise the powers hereby conferred on him, upon any road within the boundaries of the district of such local authority, notwithstanding the fact that such road is a Government road or main highway . . . ." The. Magistrate held that the inspector was within his rights, but the opinion held by officials in Christchurch is that such was not the case and that the regulation was quite clear on the matter.

Any police officer or traffic inspector "may in the execution of his duty generally control the traffic of motor vehicles and may give such reasonable directions to persons driving or in charge of motor vehicles upon any; public road as may, in his. opinion,, be necessary for- the safe and effu> ient regulation of the traffic thereon, and every person shall comply with all lawful directions."