VEHICLE LICENSING

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 236, 3 July 1944, Page 6

VEHICLE LICENSING

Wellington Total Higher Than Expected Ju Wellington during June. 1,5.700 motor-vehicles were relicensed for 1944-45 mid 10,300 drivers' licences renewed. By the end of June last year 17,800 motorvehicles had been relicensed mid just over 8000 drivers’ licences renewed. These figures arc’ greater than the officials expected them to lie. even in l lie ease of vehicles, for unjcli business that, the forces brought to Wellington in the previous few years has been removed as a result of the change in. the war situation. Many vehicle licences were issued for the Army and the American forces last year, and the best comparison is with tile 1942 figures. The figure this year is 2100 higher than in 1042. The most distinct increase in vehicle licences is in the private-car section. Two causes for the higher figures would be the replacing on the road of ears previously laid up and a greater promptitude in relicensing than in previous years. .Several influences have encouraged owners to relicense promptly this year. One was the fine weather last week. Another is the greater certainly of what. the petrol ration is going to lie. Not only has it. settled down to half a coupon a month, hut the July ration was announced 10 days before the end of June, whereas Ihe ration was usually announced only a day or two before the month began. It has been noticed that licensing business rises as soon ns tlie ration is announced. Other factors encouraging prompt relieensing have possibly been the occurrence of a weekend immediately after the old licences expire, mid the fact that there is to be racing nt Trenlhmn next Saturday. On Friday, the last day of the month, 1750 vehicles were relieensed. but the largest total was reached on Thursday. 18S0. Friday was the busier day. because Thursday’s transactions included more, commercial fleets for’ which the business was done by one person ar. the one time. Drivers' licences issued on Friday numbered 1500. Tile business wilt continue to he carried, on at the Concert Chamber for several days.