MOTOR REGULATIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 129, 1 May 1940, Page 6

MOTOR REGULATIONS.

Though in some respects they embody somewhat drastic provisions, vesting exceedingly wide powers in the Minister o± Transport, the motor regulations recently gazetted are likely to meet with general approval for the contribution they may make towards greater safety on the roads. Embodying in regulation form the various enactments of the past session of Parliament, their chief feature is the stress laid on ensuring the competency of all drivers, particularly those of public vehicles. The accident - prone driver, w'hose contribution to the Dominion’s high accident rate on the highways has received close attention, is to be subjected to even greater scrutiny, the Commissioner being empowered to review the licenses of persons who may be deemed dangerous drivers and cancel them if he deems such a drastic course wise in the general interest. There will be agreement with the provision for appeal to a Magistrate, for, serious as is the menace arising from this type of motorist, his own rights must be safeguarded. The requirement that drivers of public passenger vehicles must obtain annual medical certificates of fitness, including freedom from defective hearing, is a wise one, and its extension to drivers of passenger trucks, of which there are large numbers engaged on public and county works, will meet with satisfaction. Similarly, there cannot be other than'agreement with the enactment compelling persons over the age of seventy years to undergo, annual driving and medical tests. There is thus removed an anomaly that has laid itself open to criticism —that elderly motorists who secured their initial licenses many years ago have not been required to establish that they are still alert and competent to handle a vehicle under modern conditions. Tourists from abroad will welcome the concession enabling the endorsement of their overseas licenses subject to the authorities being satisfied with their knowledge of the Dominion’s traffic regulations. As an additional contribution to the cause of safer highways the new regulations should be welcomed by all road users, and especially those motorists with a regard for the general welfare.