OLD JUNK TO GO

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 16, 18 July 1936, Page 10

OLD JUNK TO GO

SAFETY ON HIGHWAYS

EXAMINATION OF VEHICLES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

Owners pf motor vehicles that come within the category of "old junk" were given a warning by .the' Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, today that ancient' contraptions that are a menace" to life and limb are to be swept off the roads. The Minister said that the«. Transport Amendment Act passed this .year gave him power to appoint examiners of motor vehicles, arid'it was his intention to take action at an nearly date. A similar law had been passed in England, and as the result 60,000 vehicles had been put off the roads. ■ -•. '

"Junk," said the Minister, "is a menace ■: to life. and . limb, and I am satisfied that there is heed for a general cleaning up in. this country. No compensation will be paid to' the owners of junk that is put off the:roads,' The man who owns vehicles that have no right to be .'on the roads should know that he is taking a risk. .These things have been one of the contributing factors in a large number of accidents that have occurred in this country."

The examiners, said the Minister, would pay particular attention to the efficiency of brakes, lights; and general fitness of the machines. Investigations had shown that inefficient brakes and bad lights ; had, caused a great many accidents in England, and he was satisfied that the same position existed in New Zealand. A.Periodical examination would be made, and the examiners would'have a right to pull up a vehicle anywhere and require the driver. to produce a certificate of efficiency for the machine. Examiners were now being appointed by the .Transport Department. -