TOO SWIFT! FAR TOO SWIFT!

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 531, 11 June 1909, Page 4

TOO SWIFT! FAR TOO SWIFT!

'AUTO-CARS AND THEIR DRIVERS. 1 (BI TiLEGKAI'H— sI'ECUt COIjnBSI'ONIiENT.) Chrtstohurotl,'jun« 9. There is at present an agitation in Christ.' church against the reckless driving indulged in by motorists, and general agreement is expressed with the proposition that' drastic regulations should be enforced. It is assorted that, before long, there will bo an imperative demand for the infliction of severe, punishment on those who are making tho motor-oar a nuisance and a menace. Members of the Canterbury Automobile Association aro also determined to put down reckless driving, and owners of cars aro amongst the warmest,supporters of tho proposal t©. impose a strict speed limit. ' Dr. fliacker, a vice-president of tho association, lm conversation with a reporter ycsterd&v, said that ho held a very.strong opinion that a speed .limit regulation should bo enforced, but it ' would .bo only fair to givo it a general application, and not make it, apply to motors alono. There was a great deal of, danger from farmers' traps and, other vehicles going along tho roads at nights without lightc. Motor-cars bad to bo lighted both in front and behind, but other vehicles apparently could go about with impunity—absolutely unlighted. He agroed that traffip inspector-s should he appointed, Some of them should bo always on tho streets to look after drivers of all classes of vehicles, from motor-cars to doecarts, traps, and drays. It would bo well to reviso the whole of tho traffic regulations m the. city, lhe slow and ho&Ty traffic Should go to the sides of tho streets next the channels, and tho fast traffic (represented by motor-cars and other vehicles) should bo allowed in tho ccutro, whcTo tho tram linos usually ran, whilothe space between tho two lines, where thoro wore double tracks, should bo reserved in a general w*y for bicycles Horns and syrens should bo abolished from motor-cars, and loud bells should bo substituted. The latter wcro .much better for citv work. ' \V ' ■ ' Dr. Thacker also-agreed with.some printed remarks in regard fcn doctors apparently running 'away with tho idea that if was their privilogo to disregard all tho rules and relations of, the road. He says that ho can nut his finger on at least four doctors in Christchurch who are' not safe drivers, and with whom ho would not like to drive unless ho had command of the machine. The City Council's present regulations do not deal with,a speed limit of any kind, but merely with recklessness and nodicenoo.