HIGH ACCIDENT RATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 94, 21 March 1939, Page 2

HIGH ACCIDENT RATE.

AIOTOR-CYCLE DANGER.

PROPOSED RESTRICTIONS

Per Press Association. DUNEDIN. March 20. A meeting of 50 to 60 members of the motor-cycle section of the Automobile Association of Otago this evening over which Mr A. G. Schofield, chairman of the section, presided discussed with Mr A. T. C. Chorlton, publicity officer to the Department of Transport, means by winch the motor-cycle traffic of New Zealand could be made more safe.

Mr Glinrlton has had similar discussions with representatives of mo-tor-cyclists in most centres throughout the Dominion with a view to obtaining first-hand recommendations for consideration l>v the Road Safety Council for incorporation in legislation designed to bring about a reduction in ihe accident rate. He explained that the Dominion’s accident rate had become so high that “something simply line] to ho done r»l>oiii it. 5 * Tho rorominendations which this meeting adopted ho gave it to understand indicated the form which it was likely the proposed legislation would take. They were as follows : - ’

(1) That the system of issuing licenses to motor-cvclists throughout New Zealand should be made uniform.

(2) That there should be a strict enforcement of regulations applying to built-up areas. '

(•I) That “L” plates and licenses should be issued to beginners on their passing a test, covering road code and regulations, eyesight, health, etc., and an elementary knowledge of the machine.

(4) That an “L” plate should ho carried for a. period o f three months. (5) That motor-cvclists driving with “L" licenses should be restricted to a sliced of 25 miles an hour and should not I>° allowed to carry pillion riders. (6) That offenders against the regulations should he required to have their license plates marked for a specified period, according to the discretion of magistrates.

(7) That motor-oyol’sts carrying pillion riders should be limited to a speed of 45 miles an hour.