WARNING TO MOTORISTS WHO ATTEMPT SPEEDING

Chronicle (Levin), 27 June 1946, Page 6

WARNING TO MOTORISTS WHO ATTEMPT SPEEDING

—Press Association

Bv Telearavh

WELLINGTON, June 26. " Reports from trallic inspectors of Ihe Transport Department indicate an excessive amount of speediug on the hlgliways since tlie lil'ting of thc petrol raiioning," said thc Minister of Transport today. He added tliat a considerable nuiuber of recent accidents seemed to have been due to vehicles gctting out of control as the result of skiddiug on smooth tyres or tlirough the sudden fnilurc of a tyro wheu the vehicle was travelling at a considerable speed. "When tyres are wealc, as today -so many 'are," continued the Minister, "speeds tliat would normally be safe are apt to be daugcrous. Thc risk of a blowout or skiddiug on wet surfac.es is considerable as cvidcnccd by tlie nuiuber of cascs oceurring daily. The driver wlio travels at more tliau a very moderate speed under such circumstauces is riskiug the life not only of those in his own ear but also of others whom he mav be passing. L have given instructions to departmental tratiic officers tliat they are to keep a close check on the speeil of vehicles, particularly when traflie is heavy as at weekends. I am coniident most drivers will take reasouable precautions when they realise tlie dangers to which they may cxpose Hliemselves and others but the Transport Department will deal rutlilessly with the rcckless driver who endangers others tlirough liis senscless spoeding."