"TRAM AUTOCRATS"

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 58, 6 September 1938, Page 7

"TRAM AUTOCRATS"

STRONG CRITICISM

MOTORISTS RESENTFUL

The "autocratic attitude" of some Wellington tramcar drivers towards motorists was strongly criticised at an executive meeting of the Automobile Association (Wellington) last night. In the absence of a specific complaint, however, the executive decided to take no action. Mr. A. J. Toogood commented on an experience he had had in Willis Street. He said he had been backing in to. park but had to pull out again to repeat the manoeuvre. A few seconds would have given him plenty of time, but a tram just missed his car, the tram motorman sounding the bell. As the tram went past the motorman said: "What the devil are you doing there?" or something like that, said Mr. Toogood. Mr. E. A. Batt (chairman): I suppose he rang the bell so that he could say that he had warned you if he hit you. Mr. Toogood stated that he did not wish to make a general charge, but some motormen were most offensive. Mr. Batt pointed out that trams did not at present come under the Motor Vehicle Regulations, but the North Island Motor Union had made representations to have them so classed. "The City Council would have to pay any damages," retorted Mr. Toogood. Mr. E. Palliser added that endeavours were also being made to have trams fitted with signalling devices, stop lights, and better headlights. There were several danger points in the city where trams veered across the line of traffic. The Public Works Department had promised that the association's representations would be taken into account when the Tramway Regulations were amended, a process which would not take £>lace this session. Mr. Toogood considered that a letter should be sent to the tramway authorities asking for more courtesy, but no action was taken.