HEAVY TRAFFIC

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 9 August 1924, Page 7

HEAVY TRAFFIC

DISCUSSION BY COUNTY COUNCIL. At to-day’s meeting of the Haweru County Council tins question was In ought up. The suggested schedule of fees, etc., was received from the Highways Board and considered ax some length, it was agreed to approve the schedule in a general sense, as set out by the board.

The chairman was of opinion, however, that some slight increase in speed of the lighter lorries should be made. If the speed were so reduced more lorries would be put on. It would be noticed that if a lorry was on pneumatic tires an increase of ten per cant, was specified. Regarding cases where lorries ran through several adjoining counties, those adjoining the licensing comity would secure a part- of tlie fees, in proportion to the distance travelled. In regard to the very heavy lorries, the Board could prevent them if necessary, from using the roads. He considered cha.r-a-bancs did more damage because of the speed -at which they travelled. He approved of heavy fees wheire lorries competed with railways. Cr. Lysaght said the very heavy lorry should be licensed at such 'a fee as to put it off the road. It was alright travelling the areas away from the railway. In regard to lorry owners travelling long distances, such as to New Plymouth, the chairman sain that they did not object to paying the suggested fees.- The local body issuing the licenses was to get a commission of 10 per cent on the amounts collected, and this would pay them well. H* added that toll gates must go out under the main highways system, and these fees would take the- place of tolls. He said that lorries used for dairy factory purposes would be dealt with in the same way as others. The main ,-roads were set out on schedules, when lorries travelled for a short period only thev should get a special rate. Altogether it was a big order, and wanted careful consideration. Generally they could approve of the schedule.