DO THEY WASH OUT?

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 94, 15 January 1926, Page 4

DO THEY WASH OUT?

MOTOR REGISTRATION PLATES TRAFFIC OFFICIALS COMPLAIN Palmerston North, January 14. Since the inauguration last year of the present system of motor registration and the issue by the Government, of number plates, there has been considerable diversity of opinion as to the suitability of the green and white plate now in use on cars and oilier motor vehicles. Much has been said against any attempt that may be macle to reproduce a further lot of the present plates on the grounds that white against green does not permit of. the best visibility, especially at night. What, however, is more important from tile point of view of traffic officials and the police is the fact that in a number of cases where the plates are entirely exposed to the weather, the white figures have become almost obliterated, with the result that at night it is practically impossible to recognise the numbers. In Palmerston North the traffic officials have noticed several cars with number’ plates in the condition mentioned, and it is understood that the trouble is by no means confined to motor vehicles in the inland centre. Another matter which it is hoped will be remedied when the new Act comes into force on April 1 next is the carrying of the number plate on the rear left-hand side. In conversation with a representative of The Dominion to-day, an officer responsible for the control of traffic in Palmerston North stated that in his opinion all number plates should be placed in a universal position in order that the police and traffic inspectors may know exactly where to look when taking check of motorists infringing by-laws against speeding, etc. For the guidance of traffic at the rear, the righthand mudguard is considered to be the best place for the tail lamp, and it would seem that this position is the proper one for the number plate, which, of course, must be on the same side as the light.