DEFENCE DRIVERS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 291, 7 September 1942, Page 6

DEFENCE DRIVERS

Better Observance Of

Traffic Rules

An Improvement in the observance of traffic regulations within Wellington by service drivers and dispatch riders has been noted in recent weeks by the chief Wellington traffic officer, Mr. L. 8. Drake. When a complaint that Army, Air Force and Service drivers and dispatch riders made their own speed rules, and thought ■ themselves not bound by the civilian top speed of 40 m.p.h. and slower speeds when cornering or on bad roads, was referred to him, Mr. Drake did not agree with the statements made by the complainant, as'far as they related to streets and roads within the city boundaries, though earlier there had been reason for complaint. The military authorities, said Mr. Drake, had asked the traffic office to take action or to report every case where their drivers ignored rules laid down for the common safety of the public, and they had also their own patrols to check not only speeds, but the why and wherefore of Service vehicle running. Drivers, for instance, were liable to be stopped at any time and asked to produce route dockets, setting out the vehicle number, business and the route to be followed. There would always be a few who thought themselves apart, said Mr. Drake, but when they knew that they were under observation they became fewer still. There was a very satisfactory co-operation between the military authorities and the traffic office, and the results bad been good in 'Wellington City, but for outside highways and roads he could not speak.