“SEATS AVAILABLE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 8

“SEATS AVAILABLE”

WHEN CAR-OWNERS RUN RISKS ADVERTISEMENTS INSERTED FRIENDLY WARNING ISSUED “Many motorists are apparently unaware of the risks they run in carrying passengers of the ‘share expenses’ type,” remarked a traffic inspector in the course of a conversation with the “Chronicle” yesterday. “The owner of a car may find himself involved in a heavy claim for damages if his passenger is injured in a car accident, and this has happened even when the passenger has been an intimate friend of the driver. Then there is the prospect of prosecution as legislation forbids the sharing of expenses. Thus, advertising seats are available in a car going on a journey, especially when it is the intention to accept a contribution from the passengers, is Likely to lead to prosecution.”

What he described as a friendly warning was stated by No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority (Mr. E. Phelan) at Thames last month, and it was desired that the wildest possible publicity should be given to it in every district throughout New Zealand. Operators would be well advised to make what the Authority said as widely known as possible because many motorists are unaware of the direct or indirect risks they accept in the prevalent practice of sharing expenses when going on motor trips. Mr. Phelan said:

“My attention has been frequently drawn to notices appearing in the papers, namely, ‘Anyone going to

Rotorua, or anyone going to Thames, etc., communicate with telephone number so-and-so.' No doubt this is done with the idea of lessening expense to the owner of the car. This practice is quite contrary to law—the owner of the car in the first place not being licensed to carry passengers. Secondly, there is the danger of accident and the person injured claiming against the owner. Likewise there is unfair competition with licensed operators. I mention this matter with a view to advising those following this practice that they are liable to prosecution for running an unlicensed service, and to advise those concerned that steps are now being taken to prohibit this practice. These remarks are intended as a friendly warning, and those concerned would be well advised to give heed to same.”