COUNCIL AGREES WITH ABOLITION OF 50 m.p.h. HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT

Taupo Times, Volume VI, Issue 286, 1 August 1957, Page 1

COUNCIL AGREES WITH ABOLITION OF 50 m.p.h. HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT

"T move we express agreement with tliis. I don't think it will make the slightest difference, because people don't take any notice of it now," said Cr J. E. Barton at the monthly meeting of the borough council, regarding the suggested abolition of the 50-mile-an-hour speed limit on higbways. "tYitliout discussion, tlie council coneurred with Cr Barton. The council was considering a letter from the Municipal Association, which said that the Cominissioner of Transport had sought the association's opinion 011 tlie proposal by both the North and South Island Motor Unions : "I am requested by both the North and South Island Motor Unions Jo put for ward a recommendation for the abolition of tlie general 50 miles an hour speed-limit on tlie motorways, and on any other roads wliich may be nominated from time to time.

Removal Warranted "It will be recalled that a recommendation was sent to you some time previously that tlie speed restriction 011 motor ways be abolished. "It is our opinion that with the present standard of motor vehicles and their braking, and taking into aecount the higli standard of roading, particularly motor ways, in this country, tliat abolition of tlie restriction is warranted. There are many stretclies of road which could be named, whicli could fall within the category suggested under the terms of our resolutiou. 'Tlie actual nomiuation of these partieular roads would always have to be left to tlie department, which would no doubt work in* eo-operation with the unions. "It is the firm opinion of the unions that the proposed step would not result in any increase in road accidents."