Traffic Inspectors Prove Radio Useful

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1947, Page 5

Traffic Inspectors Prove Radio Useful

WELLINGTON, Sat. (P.A.)—“Yes, l can get you splendidly,” said the chief .traffic inspector (Mr J. E. Ainsworth) of the Transport Department, speaking by two-way radio from Taupo to j the assistant chief traffic inspector (Mr ,J. Semple) in Wellington. The conversation was the peak point in experiments which ended yesterday for the use in Wellington, Hutt Valley and Palmerston North of three radio patrol cars for two-way transmission. Similar facilities are in view for Wanganui, Levin, Otaki and Johnsonville. The radio equipment is of the I latest aeroplane model and has been | fitted by. the Post and Telegraph Dei partment. During the experimental stage the range of equipment was extended from ; ] ’ <

between 10 and 15 miles to 200 miles. Useful work accomplished during this period was the arrest of a motor cyclist who fled from one car at 90 miles an hour and was caught by a second car which had been warned seven miles down the road. Discussing the advantages of cars ,now regularly in service, Mr Ainsworth said they would maintain twoway contact between officers on a wide range of patrols and could put in calls for assistance through other patrol cars in places where there was no other means of communication. Doctors, ambulances and police could ,be called and peak traffic problems dealt with expeditiously.