ROAD CONTROL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 80, 11 June 1943, Page 5

ROAD CONTROL

ACTIVITIES IN COUNTY

INSPECTORS ANNUAL UK PORT

In his Milium: report to the Wliakatane County' Council last week, » inspector A. Curling gave, a comprehensive review of his activities which covered a total of 15,017 miles. Details were: — Dog Registration: 1942, 2780 clogs lees collected £503 7s(id; 15)41, 2035 dogs fees collected £52(i 15s 0d or 57 dogs fewer. Thirty dogs destroyed and pig dogs were responsible for the reduction. There were three complaints of sheep worrying during the year hut enquiries revealed that there were no unregistered, dogs in the districts concerned. Drivers' Licenses: 1808 issued during the year -fees £1(57 0s Oil. (1.94142 £(>'os Is). A total of (il!) licenses were issued in County townships. There wer*90 driving tests carried, out and l>3 extensions to drive heavy traffic motors, pas.se.ngor scrvicc vehicle-', taxis and road machines.. Fines amounted to £1 10s. There was no general check-up on drivers' licenses iast year, but unless the council directed otherwise the usual chc.ck-up will be held during 15)43. Heavy Traffic Licenses: There were 74.0 H.T. licenses issued this year (lees corlected £3280 (is 2d); 810 isued 1941/42 (fees collectcd £3470 0s sd) and 5)4 fewer than the previous year which was very satisfactory and it was doubtful if this will be maintained much longer. Of the 16 heavy traffic vehicles weighed, 10 were over their heavy traffic license or had no license. Eight. of these increased their liceitnes and no further action taken. Two operator-: were prosecuted and fined. £4, two operators were prosecuted and fined • for speeding with heavy traffic motor £6.

Ranging and Impounding: A total of 108 horses and 107 head of cattlc were impounded or removed from eounty roads and State Highways. Driving fees and sale l'ecs collected £101 0s (id 1 Nine stock trespass offenders have been prosecutcd at the; Magistrate's Court. Fines imposed, £7 ss. Proceedings, have been taken, by the council with the object of keeping stock off the roads and indications are that this change of policy was having the desired effect. However principally Maori stock wandering at large, near townships at night constituted a grave traffic menace. Seven animals were de« strayed and removed from county roads. Health Inspector's Department Licenses and Other: Total co'Jecteu 1942/43, <),'} fees £81 0s Stf. Hedges and 'frees: In some districts hedges, and trees are overgrowing the roads and preventing a clear view at road junctions. Some settlers comply readily Avith an instruction to cut or trim hedges, whilst others do not appreciate their responsibilites, in this direction. In some eases I have to issue several requisitions before any work is done, and then it does not comply with the statute. I would regret if at some future date that I have to recommend the council that prosecutions be taken against some of the? offenders with the object of bringing it to the notice of the settlers what their responsibilities are ins this matter.