ROAD SAFETY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 110, 10 April 1937, Page 9

ROAD SAFETY.

MOTOR UNIONS’ WORK. DEFENDED BY MINISTER. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 9. “My attention has been drawn,” said the Minister of Transport (Hon. R. Semple) in an interview, to an editorial in the Star-Sun (Christchurch) of March 19, which says that it is doubtful if the Automobile Associations of New Zealand have exercised any appreciable influence on traffic regulation and control, or if they have the result is not very creditable to them. Since I assumed the portfolio of transport I have been in close touch with the North and South Island Motor Unions, the representative bodies of the automobile associations in each Island, and I have been greatly impressed with the efficiency of these organisations and the valuable assistance they have always so readily given the Government in formulating policy matters relating to traffic regulation and control.

“The recent traffic regulations of 1936 were not finalised until they had been very carefully considered by the officers of my department and officials of the motor unions. The unions submitted a number of valuable suggestions, which were adopted. • Regulations relating to traffic signs are at present in course of preparation and all signs have been decided upon in close collaboration with the unions. “I mention these matters to show the Close association that exists between the motor unions and the Transport Department. I think I should also mention that the motor unions have two representatives on the National Road Safety Council (Messrs W. A. O’Callaghan and J. S. Hawke). Both these members are on the committees of the council dealing with education and propaganda and traffic laws, and Mr O’Callaghan is on the committee which deals with road conditions.

“As to the results of traffic regulation and control not being creditable to the automobile associations, this is a matter that can be discussed from numerous angles. In the final analysis, however, we must consider the all-im-portant aspect of road safety. During the seven months ended July 31, 1936, there were 147 persons kille'tl as a result of road accidents. During the seven months ended February 28, 1937, when the new policy in relation to traffic had been in force to some extent, the number of persons killed was 94, and this notwithstanding the substantial increase in motor traffic on our roads during recent months. 1 readily admit that it is too early yet to judge the full effects of the new policy of traffic regulation and control, but the reduction in persons killed from 147 to 94 in spite of an increase in traffic seems to me to be a creditable performance. “1 want to take this opportunity ot expressing my appreciation of the helpful assistance and co-operation J have received from the motor unions in formulating and carrying into effect the new policy that has made this possible,” Mr Semple added.