MOTOR DANGERS

Evening Star, Issue 19638, 18 August 1927, Page 12

MOTOR DANGERS

PROTECTION FOR PUBLIC (Special to tub ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, August 17. In the Legislative Council, Sir Thomas Alackenzie moved —“ That in view of the great risk pedestrians are constantly exposed to through the reckless driving of motor vehicles, together with the alarming increase of fatalities, the Council is of the opinion that the laws dealing with such matters require amending, in order that reasonable protection may ho provided lor the people.” Tho mover referred to the great increase in accidents, and said tho thing was becoming very serious, it was coining to a pretty pass when school children could' not safely pass along tho streets because of “ road lings.” There appeared to be carelessness in the issuing of motor licenses to people who were not fit to drive. He hoped tho Act would be made more effective. Sir Robert Stout seconded the motion. Sir Francis Bell (Loader of the Council) suggested that the host remedy would be to “ strike out tho top line.” Tho clangors were nearly all created by excited drivers. Danger in city streets was inevitable, and it was not possible to provide absolute safety, except by moans of overhead or, subterranean ways, Air J. Barr said that already local bodies had power to alford protection. He was not convinced that the present law required amending. Mr V. If. Reed agreed that the matter was largely in the hands of local bodies. Pedestrians were sometimes largely at fault. The local bodies were not severe enough in the matter of “scorching.” and did not lake sufficient advantage,of (heir powers. Air M. Cohen said the penally for stealing and destroying cars should bo increased. In replying, Sir Thomas Alaekenffie said he trnsied the Government to increase the penalties. The motion was carried.