ROAD SAFETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20786, 22 July 1937, Page 6

ROAD SAFETY

MEETING OF COUNCIL By Telecrapn-Prpss Association WELLINGTON, July 21. The need for public interest and co-operation for the prevention of road accidents, was stressed by the ActingMinister of Transport, Hon. H. G. R. Mason, at a meeting of the New Zealand Road Safety Council to-day. The fullest appreciation of the problems facing the Council, and the active interest and help all members of the public were eminently desirable, and personally he considered that such co-operation was necessary. Since the road safety campaign opened in September, 1936, to June 1937, the death rate had decreased by 20 per cent, although an increase in motor traffic of 14 per cent was estimated. Expressed another way, that meant that 40 lives had been saved.

The report presented by the Commissioner of Transport to the meeting showed that the statistics collected since March 15, indicated that certain districts had more accidents than others, and local bodies had been asked to investigate the cause. They also indicated that certain drivers were

accident prone. The Council agreed that pedal cycles should be licensed for identification purposes, but not for revenue production, and a recommendation to this effect was carried.

A test for drivers over a certain age was also recommended. The age was not stated.

A suggestion that the penalty for intoxication In charge should be doubled, was rejected.

Members of the Council expressed the opinion that the present penalty provided sufficient scope, and should be given more time to show results.

The duty of Automobile Associations to join with the Government and Municipal authorities in road safety propaganda work was laid down by the Commissioner. On his motion, the Council decided to ask the associations whether they were willing to take the responsibility for general propaganda in their respective districts. Mr Laurenson said if they were willing the Department could assist with information and in other ways. Schemes could be discussed with the Department and where funds were limited a subsidy could be granted by the Government.