RECKLESS MOTORISTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2882, 16 June 1909, Page 12

RECKLESS MOTORISTS.

NECESSITY FOR SAFEGUARDS. (From Otjb Own 'ConaESPOHDENT.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 9. There is at present an agitation in Clnist-chuich against the reckless driving indulged in by motorists, and general agreement is expressed with the demand of the Times that the drastic regulations should be enforced. It is asserted that before long there will be an imperative demand for the infliction of severe punishment on those who are making the motor car a nuisance and a menace. Members of the Canterbury Automobile Association are determined to put down 'reckless driving, and owners- of cars aTe amongst the warmest supporters of the proposal to impose a strict speed limit. Dr Thacker, a vice-president of the association, in conversation with a reporter yesterday, said that he held a very strong opinion that a speed limit regulation should be enforced, but it would bo only fair to give it a general application, and not make it apply to motors alone. ] There was a great deal of danger on account of farmers' traps and other vehicles going along the roads at night without lights. Motor cars had to be lighted both in front and behind, but other vehicles ' apparently could go about with impunity absolutely unlighted. He agreed that ■ traffic inspectors should be appointed, j Some of them should be always on the J streets to look after drivers of all classes j of vehicles, from motor cars to dogcarts, j traps, and drays. It would be well to re- | vise the whole of the traffic regulations ' in the city. The slow and heavy traffic t should go to the sides of the street next, , the chaunds. and the fast traffic, represented by motor cars and other vehicles, should be allowed in the centre, where the tram lines usually ran, while the space between the two lines, where there were double tracks, should be reserved in a general way for bicycles. Horns and syrens should be abolished from motor cars and loud bells should be substituted. The latter were much better for city work. Dr Thacker also agrees with, the Times's remarks in regard to doctors apparently running away with the idea that it is their privilege to disregard all the rules and regulations of the road. He says he can put his finger on at least four doctors in Christchurch who are not safe drivers, and with whom he would not- ■ like to drive unless he had command of the ■ machine. The city council's present "regulations do not deal with a sp&ed limit of any kind, but merely with recklessness and negligence. •'