DANGEROUS DRIVING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5097, 7 March 1927, Page 2

DANGEROUS DRIVING.

MOTORS ON COUNTY ROADS.

COUNCILS COMPLAIN.

Tlie question of .the speed at which motor vehicles travel on county roads was introduced at the Ohinemuri Cmuity Council meeting on Thursday last by the receipt o'f a letter from the Main Highways Board. Attention was drawn to the fact t.hat complaints had recently been made to the Main Highways Board concerning the speed at which motor vehicles, in particular service cars, travel over the main highways. In a number of cases particular, reference was made to the reckless manner 1.11 which motor vehicles were driven past workmen engaged on road operations. It was pointed out that wide powers were given under the Motor Vehicles Act for the regulation of speed of motor vehicles, and it was suggested that local bodies should act under section 28 whenever it could be proved that a driver of a motor vehicle had operated such a vehicle in a dangerous manner to the public, Section 28 of the Motor Vehicles Act, reads as follows : “Every person commits an offence, and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of £lOO or to imprisonment tor three months, who recklessly or negligently drives a motor vehicle on any road, street, or other place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not, or who drives any such vehicle at a speed or in a. manner which, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, is or might be dangerous to the public or to any person, or who while in a state of intoxication is in charge of any motor vehicle on any such road, street, or place.” The chairman (Mr H. M. Corbett) said that the council’s surfacemen should be notified o'f the letter. There was far too much reckless driving. One of the council’s roadmen had only recently narrowly escaped a serLius accident. As it was, he had been struck a glancing blow by the mudguard of the car. Instead of taking the number of the car the surfaceman had missed his chance through looking tor a stone. Many drivers appealed to take a delight in driv'ng as close to t.he workmen as they cauld. It was high time some action was taken in an endeavour to' check dangerous and negligent driving, The members agreed with this view. It was resolved to appoint the surfaceman in each riding an inspector under the act.