CHILDREN ON THE ROAD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19376, 14 July 1937, Page 15

CHILDREN ON THE ROAD

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION PROVISION IN COUNTRY MOTORISTS’ OBLIGATIONS Additional protection for pedestrians and children in the form of special signs will be provided for the smaller settlements on the main high- * ways of the Coast district and other parts of Poverty Bay as a result of the co-operation of the Transport Department, Main Highways Board and the A.A (Auckland.)

During the present visit of the touring manager of the Automobile Association, Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, a

close inspection has been made of all

closely populated or built-up areas in - which the statutory 30 m.p.h. speed restriction and boroughs and town board districts does not apply. This work is being carried out in co-opera-tion with the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, and his department.

The A.A. was recently advised that more rigid control of traffic would be enforced and that motor drivers who recklessly or negligently endangered other users of the highway would be dealt with severely.

The A.A. is anxious that all closely populated areas should be adequately signposted, this being an indication to motorists of their obligation to exercise extra care and a very definite protection for pedestrians. “The 30 m.p.h. speed restriction is intended to apply only to the larger and more densely settled townships, said Mr. Champtaloup. “It is the maximum, but it does not give motorist free license to travel at oO m.p.h. if the circumstances demand a slower pace.

“To cater for the smaller townships a special sign is being designed, by means of which motorists will be warned of potential danger ahead. Offenders against the public safety in such instances could not be prosecuted, of course, under the 30 m.p.h. regulation, but would be disciplined under the dangerous or inconsiderate driving clause of the Motor Vehicles Act.”

It is understood that a representative of the Transport Department will shortly visit Poverty Bay and after his return to Wellington the necessary Gazette notice will be issued authorising the erection of the “30” discs or other warning signs, which will be placed in position by the Automobile Association (Auckland), with its usual efficiency.