TRAFFIC CONTROL

Franklin Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 109, 16 September 1938, Page 8 (Supplement)

TRAFFIC CONTROL

COUNCIL WANTS INSPECTOR COMMISSIONER’S REPLY The huge volume of through and’ local road traffic at Papakura, and the absence of a more or less full time inspector in control, led the Borough Council to place its case before the Commissioner of Transport, Mr G. L. Laurenson, for more efficient supervision of the fast increasing traffic. At Monday’s Borough Council meeting the Commissioner’s reply stated that he realised the urgent need in the interests of public safety for traffic control, and suggested that for traffic control the best permanent solution to the problem would be for the department to provide the necessary machinery for that control, in consideration of which the borough would pay to the consolidated fund the revenue received in respect of driver's licenses, less a reasonable charge to cover the administration expenses, incurred by the council in issuing the licenses, or alternately, an annual sum Ito be agreed upon. The duties to be undertaken by the department would comprise the following, stated the Commissioner: (1) Enforcement of all general laws and the laws relating to motor traffic; (2) testing of applicants for driver’s licenses; control of traffic on special occasions, such as race meetings, and periodical general supervision of traffic as circumstances warranted; (4) advising the borough on all traffic matters as required. The department, continued 'the Commissioner, would arrange for an experienced traffic inspector to keep in close touch with the borough council and to devote sufficient liras to ensure control of traffic was up to a satisfactory standard. As to prosecutions, the Commissioner stated that these would be entirely the responsibility of the department, and the council would not he troubled regarding I hem, subject, however, to eases involving the payment of heavy traffic fees on farmers’ trucks being referred to the council for approval before being taken. Finally if the council decided lo adopt the scheme it may be necessary to go into further betai's.

The Mayor, Mr S. Evans, said that the broad outline of the proposals given by the Commissioner would require careful consideration and he would move that they he referred to the finance committee for further perusal. The Mayor’s suggestion was adopted. The Mayor added that the proposals would mean that probably the council would receive 1/- out of each driver’s licence fee for administration.