MISUSE OF ARMY VEHICLES

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 29, 29 October 1942, Page 8

MISUSE OF ARMY VEHICLES

System Of Checking SIMILAR TO CIVILIAN TRAFFIC SYSTEM A representative of “The Dominion” recently travelled by road for three dgys through the Central Military District and a divisional area, where there is a considerable use of Army vehicles, without seeing any instances of speeding or other misuse of vehicles by Army personnel. Cars in which he travelled were never driven at more than their Army regulation speed of 40 miles an,hour —most of the time at less than this' speed —and they were still the fastest of their type in Army vehicles on the road. Observations show that the “sameness” of Army vehicles makes them more than normally prominent on roads free from a large proportion of usual peacetime traffic. Army drivers have to conform to civil laws and, in addition, there are Army regulations to restrict reckless, unnecessary, .or irregular use of vehicles. Dor instance, the operator of every Army vehicle must have in his possession when driving an authorized running instruction detailing the route to be followed. When no specific route can be indicated. "shortest and quickest” is the command. Also on the running instruction are details of time of departure and return, and in the case of trucks or lorries, of the load carried. Potential Army drivers are rigorously tested not only for driving skill but to ascertain that they have the knowledge to enable correct maintenance of vehicles. : Throughout the country there are schools of instruction where driver and mechanic courses are proceeding continuously. Despite precautions there are drivers who prove irresponsible, but proof of this leads to immediate and appropriate action. Such a driver is dealt with and fined, or other penalty imposed, under summary procedure, and in the case of negligence involving damage, court martial proceedings are held if so ordered by a preliminary ■court of inquiry. This is similar to the civil system of a man being committed to a. (higher court for trial if a lower court decides -there is a case to answer. Maximum speeds laid down by Army regulations are: Motor-cars and motor 7 cycles, 40 m.p.h.; vans, locwtl, 30 m.p.h.: vans, one ton, 25 m.p.h.; lorries, 30cwt. to three ton, four-wheeled, 25 m.p.h.; lorries, 30cwt.. to three ton, six-wheeled, 20 m.p.h.; ambulances, 35 m.p.h. These speeds are continuously cheeked toy members of Provost companies—many of whom were traffic inspectors in civil life —and action is taken against offenders. Tills corresponds to the control of civil traffic by civil traffic inspectors. The. speed.limits hold fast except during an emergency or some special tactical exercise which mainly depends on solving time and space‘problems. The provost personnel also check vehicles for running instructions. '

* A major control problem is empty or I‘dead” running. .This lias -been a big problem in civil transport for years, though wartime economy has effected improvements. In the Army it,is frequently unavoidable, as supplies are needed daily and delivering vehicles cannot always secure a "back” load. The movement of personnel also frequently necessitates empty running.

Direct control of the vast organization of Army transport is scarcely possible. Therefore offences can only be dealt with on receipt of full and specific details of the offence. These details must include the date, time and place, registered or Army number of vehicles and the nature of the offence.' When these details are in the possession of the correct- authority, the offender will not Im? permitted to repeat the breach. There is also, .in respect of care and maintenance, a comprehensive organization which deals.with everything from running repairs to major jobs and in cases of wrecking to salvage of worthwhile parts.