TRANSPORT PROGRESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1939, Page 5

TRANSPORT PROGRESS

DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL. REPORT.

FIGURES OF EXPANSION.

Particulars of a remarkable continuing expansion of motor transport are given in the report of the Transport Department for 1938-39. Vehicles licensed increased, as compared with the preceding year, by 9.84 per cent, to 307 000. while petrol consumption rose from 82 million gallons in 1937-38 to 89 million gallons. Traffic census details show a tremendous increase in traffic on the main highway system. Between 1934-35 and 1937-38 the total mileage travelled increased by 50 per cent, largely due to the greater use being made of the private car. Expenditure on roads, streets and bridges reached a new high level. In 1937-38 a total outlay of £10,600,000 or £1,600.000 more than in 1936-37 was recorded.

Motor taxation receipts amounted in 1938-39 to ,£5,900,000, or £500.000 in advance of the previous year’s figure. Petrol tax brought in £4,100.000, compared with £3,800 000 in 1937-38. Motor accidents number 4.383 during the year causing 240 deaths and injuries to 5,635 other people. There was a decline in the motor accident death rate from 9.63 deaths per 10.000 motor vehicles in 1937-38 to 8.85 in 1938-39. Convictions for breaches of the traffic laws numbered 24.322 in 1938-39. compared with 17,814 in 1937-38. At the inspection in March, 1939, 55 per cent of the vehicles tested for warrants of fitness were found to be correct in every detail. At the first inspect lion, in September, 1937. only 21 per cent passed the standard tests.

An excess of claims over premiums was recorded for the third-party insurance scheme, necessitating an increase in premiums for certain classes of vehicles-

At March 31. 1939. there were 774 passenger services, 3.161 goods services and 99 taxi services licensed under the Transport Licensing Act. covering in all 7 500 vehicles.

Considerable increases are reported in the volume of business done by licensed motor transport and commercial air services.