THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1948 SERVICE DRIVERS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 4001, 2 June 1948, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1948 SERVICE DRIVERS

The transport regulation prohibiting smoking by drivers of taxis or omnibuses while carrying fare-paying passengers is now in force, and a prosecution has taken place at Invercargill. Some drivers will regard this regulation as a petty annoyance and an interference with their freedom. The rule, however, has not been introduced without thought, and any regulation that will increase the safety of the public is worthwhile even if for a time it is strongly disliked by those who have made a habit of smoking while driving. However practiced he may be no driver can give due attention to the wheel and the road when he is opening a packet of cigarettes and a box of matches and lighting a cigarette. If a private motorist cannot resist the urge to smoke while he is driving that is his responsibility. But farepaying passengers should certainly not be placed in danger because a driver has to smoke in his working hours. Habits need resisting when their urge is as strong as that.