OPPORTUNITY FOR SAVING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 149, 19 April 1940, Page 4

OPPORTUNITY FOR SAVING

A SUGGESTION which appears worthy of consideration at the present time of need for national economy is concerning the re-licensing of motor vehicles for the year 194041. In several quarters, including' that of at least one motorists' organisation in the South Island, it has been pointed out that an appreciable saving would result from an abandonment for the time being of the system of issuing fresh number plates; and the distribution, instead, of suitable transfer stickers for windscreens. So far no official view has been expressed, though the Minister of Transport has been reported as remarking that number plates would be issued as usual. Registered motor vehicles in this country number more than 300,000 and it has been estimated that to supply each vehicle with a pair of plates 100 tons of iron is required. The cost of importing this iron is £3000 or more, and the charge to motorists at the rate of 2s for each paur of plates totals in round figures £30,000. The question, however,, <is not primarily one of saving expense to owners, who, no doubt,, would be glad to see portion of the cost of the plates transferred to the national war chest. The most important effect of a temporary change in the licensing system would be in the saving of both material and overseas funds. The use of suitable stickers would not appear to involve serious disadvantages, and the move would be in keeping with the expressed desire of the Government to do everything possible to aid the war effort. What is more, it would be a logical accompaniment to petrol restiict•ion, which may .be expected to reduce the total of the coming year's licences and result in a further waste of metal (represented by unused plates) if the present system is adhered to.