SAFETY ON ROADS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23059, 9 June 1938, Page 14

SAFETY ON ROADS

GREATER CARE URGED TAXI-DRIVERS' METHODS CRITICISM BY MOTORISTS The driving methods of somo taxidrivers in Auckland were criticised in a report submitted by the touring manager, Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, at a meeting of the council- of the Automobile. Association (Auckland) last night. It, recommended that the association should take a determined stand to promote greater safety on the streets of the city.

"It has been my impression for some considerable time that taxi-drivers are presuming a little too much on their ability as competent drivers, and that their method of forcing their way through traffic is too vigorous, and is conducive to accidents," Mr. Champtaloup said. "At busy times traffic officials cannot supervise all the streets, and at many important intersections glaring breaches of the safety code are committed."

Among the breaches he noticed in traffic returning from the races on Monday, Mr. Champtaloup said, there were instances of speeds in excess of 30 miles an hour, driving on the wrong side of tho street, round bends, and for long lengths when passing lanes of traffic, and forcing a passage over an intersection in violation of the right-hand rule, accompanied by frequent cutting of the- corners.

"I fully realise that it must be extremely irksome at times when taxidrivers are hold up by slow and dilatory owners of private cars, and this may perhaps account for their tuning reluctance to show consideration ior other drivers, and patiently to wait their turn in lanes of traffic when the dictates of safety should require them to exercise patience," the report said. "I suggest that there are faults on both sides, but the fault of the privato owner does not excuse the taxi-driver, who should be a highly-competent operator, with a thorough knowledge of the regulations. Furthermore, it is not every taxi-driver who may be included in my' sweeping condemnation." The association agreed to ask representatives of the two major taxi companies to meet a sub-committee of the association to discuss the matter and endeavour amicably to reach a solution. A sub-committee, comprising the chairman, Mr. F. G. Farrell, Mr. H. J. Butcher, Mr. H. W. Bullock and Mr. Champtaloup, was appointed.