REVIEW BY MINISTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23319, 12 April 1939, Page 12

REVIEW BY MINISTER

HEAVY FLOW OF TRAFFIC IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVERS REMEDIAL MEASURES PLANNED [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Tuesday "Between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Easter Monday New Zealand roads carried the heaviest traffic ever recorded," said the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, in a preliminary survey of traffic and accidents during the week-end. "Easter Thursday evening established a traffic record for the commencement of the holiday season, but it was far surpassed on Easter Monday, when an exceptionally heavy traffic flow during the daj' culminated in an unprecedented rush in the evening.

"During this period, most of the main highways were carrying far more than their capacity load at normal speeds, and the traffic flow in places was substantially retarded," the Minister added. "Even the so-called luxury roads which I have been blamed for building were overloaded during the late afternoon and early evening. "Several factors are responsible for the new traffic record. For the first time in our history motor vehicle registrations have exceeded 300,000. This Easter 50,000 more vehicles were registered than in Easter, 1937, and 27,000 more than last Easter. The weather during the week-end was fine and warm, attracting large crowds on holiday tours and to sports and race meetings.

"Although the weather was finer and the traffic heavier this Easter than last, the number of fatal accidents, from the figures so far available, has shown no increase," said Mr. Semple. "Tho number of those killed, however, has not shown any improvement. In Easter, 1937, 11 people were killed, while in Easter, 1938, eight were killed and 178 injured. This Easter 12 people were killed in seven accidents, but two of these have been terrible tragedies, taking between them a toll of seven killed and eight injured. "No matter what, we say, there is nothing to be proud of in our Easter record, but nevertheless I want to express my sincere sympathy with all those who have suffered through road accidents. Although the general standard of driving and road courtesy has shown a further improvement, I feel that we can and must do better. "This Easter there were some drivers who became impatient in the heavy traffic and took unnecessary risks, and there were a few who were absolutely irresponsible when traffic slowed up, cutting in and out of line and imperiling not only their own lives, but the lives of everyone in their vicinity. "When all tho facts are available, I shall be in a position to discuss remedial measures with responsible authorities," Mr. Semple added. "I feel sure that public opinion is behind me in any action that may be taken to improve tho present serious position."