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Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1927, Page 2

Tm: Public Works Department is attempting a comprehensive review of the motor regulations with a view to bringing a uniform set into being for the benefit of the Dominion as a whole, At present there is a considerable jumble of ideas by tip* local bodies catering for traffic in their respective districts, and very often an appeal to t lit- law results in local bylaws being declared unreasonable, and they are disallowed. The difficulty of attempting the comprehensive regulations to serve all parts, is that local considerations have to be ignored. It would appear the position would be served best were the regulations submitted finally as model bylaws on which local bylaws might be drafted. In the main most local bodies would be disposed to adopt the model draft generally, and make any necessary variation (overing speed etc. What the proposed regulations aim at in governing rules for road signals, lighting, and general control and direction of motor traffic, should have a beneficial effect. There are at present far too many motor accidents and there appears to be numerous instances of carelessness, and occasions when ordinary precautions might have avoided disaster. Lack of control in driving, and the taking of undue risks, appear to he the chief causes of serious accidents, yet despite the many lessons to ho gleaned from the inexperience of others, the roll of preventable accidents mounts up steadily. Certainly, some effort is necessary to minimise the number of accidents, and on that account the comprehensive regulations are to be welcomed. The Department is receiving much general advice and opinion as to the draft submitted, and from the reviews and criticisms received, it should bo possible to make an overhaul which should result in the finished article being of material help in the matter of the use and control of motor traffic, and assure an enhanced measure of safetv to all concerned in the traffic.