USING THE ROADS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 124, 26 May 1923, Page 6

USING THE ROADS

Two years ago revision of the law governing motor traffic was promised. It was overdue then. An attempt to give effect to the promise was made in 1921; but the Government found the clash of interests affected by the Bill too much for it. Further, that portion of the measure which related to license fees was part of the Main Highways policy, and when that policy was set aside for. the time being the Motor Vehicles Bill was

set aside also. Last session the Highways policy, somewhat worn and emaciated, was brought forth again, and as the mere shadow of its former self (a skeleton, its supporters termed it) managed to find a place on the Statute Book. Judging by what has happened since (or rather by what has failed to happen) that place is a restingplace. If action has been taken under the Main Highways Act, it has been taken secretly. It was stated when the skeleton measure was passed that it would enable adequate preparation to be made for the operation of a more complete measure. That preparation may have been made, but little has been heard of it; and we sincerely trust that, when Parliament meets, we shall not be told that the work is not far enough forward to enable further steps to be taken. The Prime Minister's statement to an Auckland deputation yesterday was, on the whole, encouraging. He stated that there would be legislation limiting the weight of vehicles carried on certain roads and an adjustment of revenue from license fees from commercial and motor vehicles. At the same time, he said he diet* not think it was possible to raise all the money required for main roads maintenance at the present time.

If the Prime Minister meant no more than he said, there is little cause for disappointment. All the work cannot be done at once. But we hope his statement does not suggest further postponement of all main road activity. His reference to legislation is. encouraging. The Motor Vehicles Bill of 1921 contained many useful : provisions which were not highly controversial. Some of them were most urgently needed. For example, the method of registration was to be overhauled. The proposals at the time were criticised as likely to produce a small army of officials. Possibly a simpler method may be devised, but almost any method would be better than the present chaotic state. Then there were provisions for the endorsement or withdrawal of drivers' licenses, and for penalising reckless and negligent driving, and power was given to make : regulations governing traffic for the better preservation of roads and streets. All these proposals went overboard with the debatable licensing clauses. Careful motorists, as well as careful pedestrians, are anxious to see tt& law brought up to date, for the speedfiend is a danger to. wheel traffic as well as to the foot-passenger. The preservation of roads should also be dealt with upon uniform lines. We should like to see these questions—registration, safety, and road-preservation—dealt with and disposed of, with'the vexed question of license fees. The Government can scarcely- hope to obtain complete agreement between all parties upon the revenue issue. Sooner or later it must cut the Gordian knot into which the opposing parties have twisted the problem; but if this is to mean delay, then the general principles of motor-traffic control—apart from revenue—should be considered separately and immediately.