USE OF CAMERAS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20831, 15 June 1939, Page 2

USE OF CAMERAS

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ACCIDENTS MINISTER DEFENDS SCHEME (By Telegrapn.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Replying to objections regarding the use of cameras by traffic inspectors, the Minister of Transport; the Hon. R. Semple, stated to-day that a very thorough investigation had been made into the utilisation of photography jn the campaign against traffic accidents. “Fourteen months ago,” said Mr Semple, “12 traflic inspectors were supplied with oflioia I cameras and. in addition, a number utilised official films in approved private equipment. The cameras were found to be particularly valuable in dealing with road hazards, such as dangerous approaches to bridges and level crossings, ridges of loose gravel likely to cause skids and obstructions reducing visibility, in these and a dozen other cases one picture was often worth more: than a lengthy report.

“From hazards on the side of the road the photographic investigation was extended to hazards actually on the roadway, such as dangerous vehicles,” said the Minister. "One photograph in the possession of the department,” he added, “showed a piece of timber projecting several feet from the side of a heavily-laden lorry.” He gave other instances of photographs showing dangerous loading. The Minister said very exhaustive experiments had been carried out to determine the best methods of indicating to those who cut corners the danger of the practice. It was essential that the white centre-line should be clearly marked. The position of cars with reference to the centre-line were shown so accurately that the distance that the -car was over the centre-line could be fixed within inches. Curiously enough, photographs had been found in some cases to safeguard motorists by eliminating any possibility of personal error. They indicated what were proper cases for warnings, and were thus of very considerable educational value, ametaoin shrdlu cm c cm c cmfw