MOTORISTS CRITICISED.

Evening Star, Issue 26185, 21 August 1947, Page 10

MOTORISTS CRITICISED.

.Sir, —Fatal accidents are becoming more frequent. Many motorists are becoming more careless, impudent, and even malicious towards pedestrians Several times 1 have beard angry threats being shouted at pedestrians who happen to be crossing the street, even on pedestrian crossings. Such malicious threats should be made a punishable offence. “ Murder ” would be a more fitting charge than “ manslaughter ” to make against some motorists guilty of causing the death of pedestrians. Kindly tell me in a footnote whether motorists are permitted to park for lengthy periods before houses at which they have no legitimate business. When it gets near midnight such parking, especially if accompanied by noise, becomes offensive.—-! am, etc., Live and Let Live. August 19. \ [The chief traffic inspector. Air E. H. Barrett, commenting on this letter, said it was not possible to prohibit all-night parking in Dunedin streets, bee-use the building controller would not issue permits for the construction of garages. He added that there were about 12,000 vehicles in Dunedin, and less than 3,000 garages. If vehicles were obstructing a private entrance or were creating a nuisance through excessive noise the traffic authorities frequently interviewed the offenders, and a warning was usually an effective deterrent. The sounding of motor horns was prohibited after 11 p.m. except; in connection with traffic requirements. Air Barrett suggested that “ Live and Let Live ” should see him if the grievance required investigation by the traffic authorities.]

Sir, —It seems an appropriate time to bring to your notice one of the few glaring Jaults that 1 have found more evident in Dunedin motor car drivers than, in those elsewhere. The point is in not giving the correct traffic signals for stopping or pulling out from the kerb. Alosfc of our drivers seem to manage to put out a hand when turning a corner, but seldom have i seen a hand out indicating “stop” or 11 start.” Wellington and Auckland are quite meticulous about this, and it is time Dunedin became a little more observant of this most important, and, indeed, fundamental rule of the road. The traffic officers would do a great service in pulling up some of the offenders who blatantly ignore the above law of the road.—l am. etc., August 19. Hands Up.