PARKED CARS IN RIDGE LANE

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1932, Page 11

PARKED CARS IN RIDGE LANE

RACE TRAFFIC INCIDENT. SIX MOTORISTS TO PAY COSTS. Because they allowed their cars to stand in Ridge Lane for more than ten minutes on February 13, the second day of the autumn race meeting at. New Plymouth, the following motorists were copvicted and ordered to pay costs in the Police Court yesterday: Thomas Deane (12s), Robert S. Campbell (12s), Harry Jolson (10s), Alice M. Richardson (10s), Ernest A. Carter (10s) and Henry James’ Smith (10s). The narrow lane was absolutely blocked with cars and it was practically impossible to get through, said Chief Inspector Day. It was most important that the lane should be kept clear. There were three notices in John Street warning motorists not to park there. Carter said he had been driving for 15 years, including buses and taxis in Auckland, and he had never had his license endorsed for a conviction. He had been three years in New Plymouth. If there had been a notice in Ridge Lane he would certainly not have parked his car there, but seeing other cars there, he drew his in, out of the line of moving traffic. He considered he had used his judgment? Smith made a somewhat similar explanation to the Court. Mr. Day said the by-law was to the effe. that no one must park in any street for longer than teu minutes. Carter contended that such a provision was unreasonable. It did not apply in other places. Mr. Day: It operates all over the country. Carter reiterated his opinion. “.The chief traffic irfspector at Auckland is a fair apd reasonable roan and speaks to a man when he sees him,” he said. “When I went to see you, Mr. Day, you treated me like a, dog.” The magistrate: Let us have no recriminations. The inspector said there was » parking place in the vicinity marked by

notices.'' It appeared, however, that for some motorists it was too far to walk. Carter: I used discretion in getting out of the way of moving traffic. The magistrate said it was important for motorists who attended the races to realise that they must park only at the places marked. Carter: I think it would be hard luck if I were convicted after having been so long on the road without having had my license endorsed. I used discretion in the matter and should be shown some consideration.

Mr. Day said the borough authorities went out of their way to put up notices, though they were not bound to do so. The magistrate: They will all be convicted.

Thomas M. Campbell denied a police allegation that he had cut the corner of Currie and Devon streets. The magistrate accepted the evidence of Constable O’Neill against that of Campbell and Johnston McCarty and W. H. Sarten, two passengers in the ear. Campbell was fined £2 10s and 10s costs. ‘Tf it had not been for his frankness he would not have been here,” said Chief Inspector Day when John Morris Dick was charged with riding a motorcycle past the rear- of a tram that had stopped to discharge passengers. The incident occurred at White’s stop in Devon Street, said Mr. Day. As a result of information received he interviewed Dick, a youth, who said he had not realised at the time- that this was a. stopping place. Unfortunately his machine had become mixed up with the passengers, but as soon as he realised his position he pulled up. Dick was convicted and ordered to pay 10s costs.