TRAFFIC OFFENCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22028, 7 February 1935, Page 14

TRAFFIC OFFENCES

LAPSES BY MOTORISTS

BOYS ON UNLIGHTED CYCLE PURSUIT BY CONSTABLE The wisdom of conforming with the regulations regarding the lighting of motor vehicles was stressed by Mr. W. R. McKean., S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday, when various prosecutions for traffic offences, chiefly of a minor nature, were heard. In most instances motorists had failed to ensure that the tail lights of their cars were functioning, and in other cases only one headlight was working. The average fine imposed for this type of offence was os.

One motorist, who had only a short time previously acquired the car, stated he had travelled less than the length of Fort Street when he realised he had omitted to switch on the lights. He was convicted and discharged but was ordered to pay the costs of tho prosecution,

An exciting chase by a constable of two boys who had been riding an unlighted bicj'cle on the footpath of the waterfront road was described. It was stated that, when they saw the constable they ran across a paddock, where they were caught by the constable. Questioned by the magistrate, defendant said it was a "foolish thing to do." "The fine would not have been so heavy if you had not run away," said the magistrate in imposing a fine of 10s on the owner for riding a bicycle without lights, and 10s for riding on the footpath. A motorist who failed to keep to the left when turning a corner, and as a result collided with another car, explained that the steering gear had been damaged without his knowledge. While it had been parked in Karangahapo Road on New Year's Eve the car had been damaged, presumably by being run into by another car. The day on which the offence with which he was charged occurred was the first occasion the car had been used after the previous mishap. The defect in the steering was not apparent until the driver attempted to apply full lock. The accident out of which the prosecution arose had already cost defendant £l4 in damages.

Defendant was convicted and discharged, the costs of the prosecution to be paid by him. Other charges against motorists included breach of the right-hand, rule and piarking near a fire plug.