MOTOR UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18352, 24 August 1929, Page 8

MOTOR UNION.

WARNING BEFORE PROSECUTION. PEDESTRIANS ON ROADS, By Telecra®*»—Xhreaa Association AUCKLAND, August 23. At the annual meeting of the North Island Motor Union, a suggestion that the police should adopt the policy of some local authorities in issuing warnings instead of prosecuting for first minor braches of by-laws was discussed. A resolution was carried asking that the police should issue warnings to first offenders, and where prosecutions were intended should send notices of the charge to motorists by mail. After a long discussion it was decided, subject to certain adjustment, to acoept affiliation of the Manawatu Automobile Association which was formed recently, following a dispute with the Wellington Automobile Club. A remit from the Wairarapa Automobile Association, suggesting that the onus for accident should be on pedestrians who elect to use the road where footpaths are provided, caused some controversy. Eventually, the question was referred to the executive for a report regarding propaganda to educate people up to traffic. A remit from the Wanganui Automobile Association, expressing the opinion that pedestrians forced to use the roads should walk on the right - I hand side in order to face the traffic line, was carried and referred to th * executive for consideration with the previous question of pedestrian control.

Resolutions were carried urging that the Government should recognise that the annual grants of £200,000 from the Public Works Fund, and £35,000 from the Consolidated Fund, were minimupi obligations, and stating that the gathering pledged Itself to resist any action which would result in placing on motorists an obligation which should be borne by the State.

It was decided to combat any move to divert motor taxation. The resolution stated: "If this is permitted, the security of all funds created for particular purposes will be endangered." At the suggestion of a special committee appointed to deal with coordinated sign-posting through the provinces, a conference of Automobile Associations and service officers will be held in October.