TESTING VEHICLES.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 393, 27 March 1937, Page 4

TESTING VEHICLES.

UNNECESSARY REPAIRS Owners May Consult Transport Department. “We are not out to create hardship or permit victimisation of anyone,’’ stated an officer of the Transport Department to the “Central Press” to-day, when referring to the testing of motorvehicles and the issue of warrants of fitness. He went on to point out that in the event of a dispute arising between a garage proprietor authorised to issue a warrant, and the vehicle owner, as to what repairs were necessary, the question could be referred to the Transport Department officials and a definite decision would be given without any cost to the owner. Concerning old vehicles, he said that no unfair action would be taken as long as the owner took steps to see that the car or lorry complied with the standard laid down by the department. There was an impression that vehicles over a certain age would have to go oft the road, but that was not so. All that was required was that they should be in proper repair. The official reiterated that there would be no hardship, and mentioned a provision made in regard to vehicles which were not used at night. Some ot these, particularly farmers’ lorries, were not fitted with lights, and it was not the intention of the department to put the owners to the unnecessaiy expense of a lighting installation. The i owner, however, would be required to give a warranty that the vehicle would hot be used at night. Any breach would be seriously dealt with. Next May will see a good deal of activity in transport licensing matters. The question of road versus rail competition will be reviewed, and local carriers and taxi-drivers will be brought under the jurisdiction of the Transport Authority.