BAN ON TRAFFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24203, 19 February 1942, Page 6

BAN ON TRAFFIC

PERIODS OF ALARM NO EXODUS PERMITTED Wardens of the Emergency Precautions Service in Auckland have located in the course of their duties many motor-car owners who are holding reserves of petrol with the intention of driving out of the city in the event of an enemy attack. Many such people are known to have their cars ready loaded with provisions, clothing and even camping gear.

Officials of the service stated yesterday that private persons who expected to drive their cars after an alarm had sounded would find themselves most effectually prevented from doing so. Warden personnel had' instructions to stop all such traffic at its source, which was the ear-owner's garage. If anyone succeeded in getting away from a residential street and on to a main road, he would inevitably be held up by the emergency traffic control officers, who would be on duty everywhere in large numbers. The only motor vehicles allowed to travel during an alarm, it was pointed out were those of the armed forces arid the E.P.S., all of which would carry distinctive markings. Other vehicles of every kind would be required to park at the kerb immediately the alarm sounded, and the occupants would be called upon, to leave them and go to whatever shelter there might be in the neighbourhood. The underlying principle was that in the event of an enemy attack all civilians" not engaged in civil defence work must remain where they were unless directed to move by those in authority, and then only in conformity with the instructions given them.