“Warn Them First."

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20483, 8 December 1934, Page 12

“Warn Them First."

Dear Sir,—l thank the Traffic Superintendent for his part response to my letter signed “ < ourtesy Pays,” but the questions J asked have not been answered. Would an answer of the questions incriminate the department in the minds of motorists? I would suggest not, because the motorists* opinion of the Traffic Department of Christchurch is not very great. If Mr Macintosh would not care to answer all the questions would he please answer No. 1 question re the committee who are supposed to investigate all breaches?

The department’s reply to my few lines of the other day infers that most motorists have not made themselves acquainted with the by-laws. Well, then, if this applies to the majority of motorists the department should be capable enough to realise it is their duty to help the motorist and acquaint him with the many by-laws. Might I, although not financially interested in newspaper returns, suggest that the traffic rules and by-laws be advertised freely through all the newspapers? I. personally, am aware that copies are obtainable at the counter of the Pity Council—but the only people who visit the counter are these unfortunates who have to eat humble pie after having been reported by an inspector.

Concerning country motorists, I venture to state that their knowledge of our bvlaws is not any better than that of the town motorist. For instance, where it is permissible to park a car without being reported the time limit for parking in a non-parking area—and so on.

I do not desire reimbursement for this advice, but I would advise the Traffic Superintendent to get his inspectors busy on the headlight and brakes question—headlights especially, which on some cars are a menace, and, to use a Traffic Department phrase, “ according to the circumstances, might be dangerous to the public.” Hoping Mr Macintosh will answer mv questions in a simple manner, and that inspectors be instructed to use discretion and give the benefit of the doubt, and thus earn the respect of motorists.—l am, etc., 11. E. PANKHURST.