HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 8 May 1925, Page 4

HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC

HRoiiinmoN during winter .MONTHS NELSON AIOTCEKA ROAD EXCLUDED

The District- Engineer notified tho Waimea County Council at to-day's meeting that the Alain Highways Board had approved of the prohibition of heavy traffic during the winter months over the l.ud River-Rai Saddle road. It was further slated that the legal position was not yet clear as to which authority issued the proclamation, but advised the Council to publicly notify tho closing of the road. The letter opened up a general discussion. Cr. Hewetson said it appeared as if the Heal'd was trying t<» put the onus on the Council. Cr. Colder said so far as he was concerned he did not mind taking it. It. meant a saving to tint ratepayers’, pockets. A lot of traffic went over the road which was of no benefit—or very little —to the ratepayers of the riding or the county. He would move that tho road he closed to heavy traffic from May to September. He also asked the Engineer's opinion as to the advisability of closing the Alaitai road to heavy traffic also, as there was a good deal of gravel being carted out and doing damage to the road.

The Engineer replied that he thoroughly recommended that the road be closed. The road was of very light construction and if used for heavy traffic might become practically impassable. In view of tho Engineer’s statement Cr. Colder said he would add the Alaitai road to his resolution. According to the new regulations the roads were to be classified as to what weight should be carried over them. The county could not classify them—that was the business of the Government, and they should be called upon to classify the roads. Cr. Berryman seconded the motion, thoroughly endorsing Cr. Cnrder’s remarks. There was not the slightest doubt that a liig portion of revenue was swallowed up by heavy traffic going over the Wangantoa in winter time.

Cr. Hewetson took it. that during favourable weather that the by-law would not bo enforced. Tt would be ;i hardship otherwise, and lie took it that the Engineer would have discretionary power. 11

Cr. ('order admitted that there was a good deal to sav, about the Engineer having discretionary power—it seemed sound common sense. The Wangantoa was a. three-day trip for the lorry waggons, and the might be fine when they left Nelson, but by the time they were loaded up (lie weather may have changed for the worse. In the past a certain amount of discretion had been exercised, but it had been abused. The motion was carried.

In reply to the Engineer, Cr. Berry man said ho was willing t-o extend the. bydaw to the Tophousc- road, although he did not think there was much heavy traffic there. He would move that- it bo closed from the Bluff to the county boundary via Tophousc. lie would also add to his motion that the by-law be enforced over all the county roads. It was stated that the by-law included till motor vehicles over two tons plying for traffic. Seconded bv Cr. Cordero.

Cr. Wilkinson agreed with the resolution in principle, but not. much good iu operation. It was impossible to stop all heavy traffic, and he did not think this was intended. Fees were paid by owners, and if they we're debarred the use of the roads for the winter months they would want a rebate.

It. was stated that tire Act provided for this.

Continuing, Cr. Wilkinson said he was in favour of, protecting the roads. He would favour the Takaka Hills road being included, as lorries carrying 10 tons were using it.

Opposition came from C’r. Hewtosou. He could not support it, as he considered it too drastic. Heavy traffic should he allowed so long as the weather was reasonably fine. Cr; Macmahon could not see how the Council could consistently charge *ees and at the same time stop cars from running. He thought certain roads should be selected which were btit.g damaged by heavy traffic, and not make the by-law applicable to the whole cl the county. In further remarks Cr. He wee son opposed the motion as applying to the whole county. He pointed out that at this season of the year farmers v ere carting manure and lime, and it would he a hardship to stop them. He agreed to include Takakat Hiiis anl the Wangamoa, but- not elsewhere. What effect would it have on tiie Council's metal waggon. Would its use he jiio hibited.

The Engineer: There is no ccccsit n to do that. We are using it with the intention of repairing roadsCr. Hewetson considered it would be rather drastic to apply ne by-law on the Nelson-Motueka road. He agreed, however, with the principle. The chairman (Or. Best) moved an amendment that the Tophouse road to Korere, Sherry River and Slippery liver roads he included.

Cr. Corder was quite willing to second the amendment, but thought the Takaka Hills, Spooner’s Range and the Hope Saddle should also he included.

Seconded hv Cr. Tunnicliff. Cr. CorderSisked what was the position of the Council now. If a traffic inspector was appointed and carried out the regulations, perhaps it- would meet the case. Cr. Hewetson wanted to know if chaff-cutting plants,would l>e prohibited. Cr. Wilkinson thought they were exempt. The chairman pointed out that three tons could be carried in liorse-drawn vehicles. Cr. Wilkinson was of opinion thatcertain roads could be selected, and others could be left to the traffic inspector. After some further discussion the chairman withdrew his amendment. Cr. Drummond then moved an amendment that the by-law apply to all roads except the Nelson-Motueka road. Cr. Corder: Would you cut out the Nelson-Belgrove road. Cr .Drummond: They have the railway* t v Wilkinson : Yes, they have the railway. Let them jolly well use it. .me amendment was put and carried, frs. Berrvniari, Corder and the chairman voting “No.” On being putjis the substantive motion it was also' carried. Cr. Hewetson read the regulations, which provided that nr- person can operate a traction engine or metal-tyred motor lorrv unless the consent is first, obtained from the controlling authority. Cr. Kenyon was not present during the discussion, not arriving until later in the meeting. ;• ■\Rl-OINTMENT (IF TRAFFICINSPECTOR As the result of an interview, Mr Colt-man, health inspector, was, on the motion of Cr. Berryman, seconded hv Cr. Tunnicliff, appointed traffic inspector. at a salary «f £250. in addition to his salary of £l5O a year as health inspector. All travelling expenses will be paid by the inspector. His duties ivill commence as from Ist inst.

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