MOTOR REGULATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20961, 26 February 1930, Page 8

MOTOR REGULATIONS.

TOO MANY RESTRICTIONS. ; STATEMENT BJ MINISTER. (Special to Daily Times,) WELLINGTON, February 25. ■ The opinion that too many restrictions are placed upon motorists because of tlje excessive zeal of those responsible for framing the regulations was expressed by the Minister of Transport (Mr W. A; Veitch) to-day, when opening a conference of representatives of the’ various motor interests called by him to consider revising the existing regulations. The Minister .expressed, the belief that'the conference-would result in greater liberty of. the subject. Taking a purely commonsense and practical view of the situation, the Minister said experience' Had taught that there had been a great'deal of overlapping, and consequently unnecessary interference with the movement of motor vehicles throughout New Zealand. They had no central system, and sections 6f the people in various localities had different kinds of regulations and restrictions, not always with the same object They wished to eliminate all unnecessary regulations and interferences, particularly -regulations which it was imprac-' ticable to obey. There was a number of limitations and regulations affecting motor transport, and a great many other \ things as well, he was sure, with which it was not possible to comply. Somehow or other, when an officer set about constructing a regulation or a system of regulations he seemed to think it was his duty to place in the.hands of those for whom he was acting every possible power to interfere. That should not be, and they should try to get away from it. What they should'do was to give the maximum amount of'liberty, not only to motorists, but to everybody. Regulations should not be framed to irritate people, but should be applied as little as possible, and only so far as was necessary to protect the liberty and lives of others. He was sure that all would take a broad national view matters submitted to them during the conference. They had undertaken a difficult task, but he be? lieved they would meet with success.