AN INIQUITOUS SYSTEM.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5316, 22 August 1928, Page 4

AN INIQUITOUS SYSTEM.

LOCAL BODIES AND MOTORISTS. “Action sihquld lie taken to protest strongly against the petty annoyances that motor'sts 'enco.upter .at the hands of stole local bodies,” said Mr A. J. Toog'ooid, president of thd North Island Moton Un*on, at tlie anuU-l meotiing at Welllington tost week. “As conditions obtain at present, every inducement is offered to local bodies to prosecute motorists, no matter how small the offence may be, due to the fln,efe that are collected being paid intq their general fund. It is quite conceivable tha,t same local bodies are. making a very substantia,! revenue o,ut of these fines, and it is claimed that the principle of local bodies being allowed to retafy the flues in question is a wrong one.

“To-day every encouragement is. given to; local bodies to go beyond what might be termed fair play, for. the purpose of taking every opportunity to increase the amount collected. A much fattier, system would b e that all fines collected, less the cost of collection, should be paid into the Ma'ii Highways Bqard for thei purpose of increasing its funds towards improving roads for motorists. “It is realised that tihis .suggestion will, no doubt, meet with opposition from • the local bodies in question, but strenuous efforts .should be' made by the incoping executive to place the present iniquitous system qn a fairer basis. The South Island distance where! a local body has appointed a traffic inspector at a salary of £2 per week, plus all fines secured is a mo t st glaring, one, a.nd. it only goes to prove what length some lojcal bodies will go .towards .inakipig every endeavour, to collect all fines possible, and ha.rass motorists generally. It is very debatable whethen the bodies in question ar.e morel anxiojus t'o protect life and limb or to increase their, revenue at the eost of motorists.”