MOTOR CHASING AND ITS COST

Evening Star, Issue 22276, 29 February 1936, Page 2

MOTOR CHASING AND ITS COST

It is all to the good that thieves of motor cars should be chased, and if possible caught—but at whatever cost? I must confess that I find the evidence given at the inquest on a man knocked down and killed by a police car in the Uxbridge Road disturbing. Speed limits of thirty miles an hour in builtup areas were imposed because it was believed that they would save life, and it is claimed they have saved it. Yet here is a police car, capable of doing 85 miles an hour, driven at an admitted speed of 55 miles in crowded streets, described by the policemandriver himself as “ wet and greasy.” The result was that “ the car turned completely round, broadsided over the road and hit a lamp-post.” The - driver added that as he skidded “ I fancy I caught a glimpse of a man, but I don’t know whether I hit him or not.” Since an inquest has been held on the man, the presumption of a hit seems strong. In cross-examination the driver declared that his car “ was perfectly under control,” and the jury, which after all heard the whole of the evidence, whereas I have only read newsEaper summaries of it, exonerated im. ‘ Fiat justitia, mat civis.’ And this particular citizen had a wife and family, shortly to be increased, depending on him. As another ordinary citizen I should have been content to see him and the bandits all escape. —“ Janus ” in the ‘ Spectator.’