THE SLOW DRIVER.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 223, 9 February 1928, Page 7

THE SLOW DRIVER.

A RIGHT TO LOITER. “ Sometimes a Potterer ” writes to the Motor championing the cause of the slow driver against motorists at Home who have been trying to obtain a restriction on the presence of such drivers on the main roads. There is a movement to obtain a “ minimum limit.” The letter characterises the proposal as ridiculous, and proceeds : “ I have had many years’ motoring experience, and previously over 25 years’ cycling, and can go my 40 or 50 miles per hour with the best when I want to, but the point is, one goes out with different objects in view at various times. Of course, if one intends to go a long journey one wants to keep going, but if a motorist goes out for an hour or so on a summer’s evening with no definite object beyond fresh air I maintain he is quite entitled to ‘ potter ’ along at any speed he likes, provided that he keeps well-in to, the near , side ,of the road—which is of course the crux of the whole matter. The way in which the majority of motorists of all sorts fail to keep in is one of the greatest evils of the road to-day and causes many accidents. After all, a ‘ pottering ’ motorist is causing no more delay or danger than a horse and cart or other slow-moving vehicle. To suggest that everyone who happens to be ‘ pottering ’ is doing so from anxious fear and nervousness is, as I have often said before, ridiculous.”

This is quite in accord with an article in these columns nearly a year ago which pointed out that many motorists go out with the intention of enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and countryside around them. Indeed, as we stated, many car parties are merely drawingroom parties out of doors. By keeping well to one’s proper side of the Toad, and by not stopping on bad bends, no inconvenience will be caused to other drivers. It is all a matter of mutual consideration and commonsense.