FENCING ROAD EDGES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18370, 1 May 1925, Page 6

FENCING ROAD EDGES.

A WAIRARAPA SUGGESTION

A circular letter has been received by the South Island Motor Union from Mr E Whiteombe, a member of the "Wairarapa Automobile Association, stating that that Association recently spent a lot of their funds in fencing parts of the Rimutaka road on the edge of the formation a s a safeguard for travellers and that the Public Works Department was doiug likewise on the Paekakariki Hill in consequence of which, he suggested that landowners having frontage on the lower side of steep sidling roads be invited to put their fences on the edgo of the formation, subject to the- approval of the local body in charge of the road, the local body undertaking to respect such fence when clearing the road of slips or rubbish, and not to count it as an obstruction. The letter stated that to provide for tho erection of fences.as suggested with security for the public, the local body and the landowner, an amendment or addition to the Counties or Local Bodies Act would bo necessary. There could be no doubt, the letter continued, but that such fences made the roads safer for all kinds of motor traffic, and as an instance of this mention is made of a motor lorry a few days ago.being saved from destruction, and the driver from severe injury op worse bv the wire fence on the'Rimutaka Hill. In motoring round sharp bends, especially at night, such a fence showed clearly how sharp the bend was, and helped the driver to keep on the road.

The writer thousrht that most farm--ers would move their fences to- such" positions, when putting.up new fences, or renewing old ones,, if properly .protected in point of law.

The letter will be discussed at the next meeting of the Council of the South Island Motor Union.