GLARING HEADLIGHTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26176, 12 June 1946, Page 6

GLARING HEADLIGHTS

INCONSIDERATE DRIVERS AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION STRICTURES The failure of many motorists to dip the headlights of their cars was the subject of further comment at the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Automobile Association (Otago) last night. Reports by the association’s patrol officers had resulted in a suggestion to the chief traffic inspector, Mr E. H. Barrett, that his officers should be instructed to keep a specially sharp lookout in an endeavour to check what appeared to be an increasing offence. A reply was received from the chief inspector that instructions had been given to his staff to report all breaches of the regulation.

The chairman, Mr H. S. Reid, and several members said that too many motorists were ignoring their obligation to dip their neadlights. Mr J. L. Passmore emphasised the danger that these motorists caused to other traffic. “ Most of them are inclined to drive at an excessive speed,” he said, “ and it is not easy to get their numbers.” The glare of bright headlights was especially troublesome to tram motormen, he added. It was remarkable that there were not more accidents from this cause. The meeting was attended by Messrs Reid, P. W. Breen, G. W. Ferens, W. A. Jenkins, Passmore, G. G. Adess, G. T. Anderson, A. E. Bingham, J. Caldwell, W. L. Coxhead, R. A. Douglas, W. J. Mclnnes, B. M. Rodger, J. G. Souness, G. T. Thorn, and T. Y. Turner. Traffic “Bottle Neck” Support was given to representations made to the City Council by the Otago Road Transport and Motor and Horse Drivers’ Union that a bad “ bottle neck ” to traffic in Cumberland street between Rattray and Water streets should be removed. The length of the “ bottle neck ” was about 100 yards, it was stated, arid it was suggested that if the sward at that point were removed and the macadam surface extended, vehicular traffic would be able to move smoothly and quickly. Mr Breen urged that the cycle track in Cumberland street should be used. It appeared to be in perfect condition, and cyclists would be increasing their own safety and convenience if they were off the road in that area. It was agreed to press this suggestion on the City Council. Parking at Brighton In reply to a request that a strip of land bordering the Taieri Mouth road near the Brighton School should be put in order as a parking area, the Brighton Domain Board intimated that it had no funds to expend on work outside the domain itself. If the association were prepared to meet the cost of the work, the board would give favourable consideration to the sugstated that motorists provided practically the whole of the domain’s income, and it was decided to ask the board for a statement of its income and expenditure over the past three years. When that was received further consideration would be given to the request for financial assistance in this matter. Record Membership The election of 176 new members brought the total Otago membership to the record figure of 6791.