TRAFFIC CONTROL

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1937, Page 9

TRAFFIC CONTROL

A COUNTY COUNCIL WANTS ITFOR THE MONEY IN IT 1 (Per Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, April 23A unanimous protest against tho proposal of the Government to t a J)° away from County Councils authority to issue motor drivers’ licenses was made by members of Southland County Council to-day- A copy of the proposals for alterations in the method ot issuing licenses, received by the (Council from the Transport Department, stated that it was proposed to .devise the system of traffic controlso that in future cities and boroughs with a population exceeding 6000 would be responsible for their own enforcement,: as at present; and the Government would be responsible for the smaller centres and r|ui'al areasThe proposal provided .that proceeds from the issue of drivers’ licenses would be distributed to those authorities responsible for the contr;ol of traffic and to the Government- At present .these licenses are issued by various local authorities. "It will mean that we will lose over £l5OO a year,’’ said the chairman (Mr F- F- Titapski), "and will be one of the things which will cause Us to put up our rates.’’ ’Mr J- McNeill said the Council should enter an emphatic protest against -this latest interference with the County’s revenue- He said authorities were, making use of the argument that they were going to take over the control of traffic. "We control it quite well now,., and I don’t think they will make a better job of it,’’ he saidMr G- Wraytt .said it seemed as if the Government was taking away more than it was giving the countrylie supported a protest. M r T- Golden said the County would have to raise- £l5OO a year extra from ratepayers to make up for loss from licenses, and it would mean an increase in rates-