BUS PASSENGERS

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21583, 20 November 1941, Page 7

BUS PASSENGERS

OVERLOADING DANGER INSPECTOR’S INTENTION BOROUGH COUNCIL DISCUSSION Attention was directed at the Hamilton Borough Council meeting last night to the dangerous overloading of passenger buses in the borougn. The subject was brought forward by Mr W. E. Nicholson, chief traffic inspector, who said there had not been any improvement in conditions since tne matter was last before the council. Every wet day overloading occurred on tne Hamilton East service, and on every wet Friday and Saturday evening the trouble reached a dangerous stage. The inspector added that unless instructed to the contrary he proposed to take action to limit the number of passengers carried on buses. Such action would protect him from any charge of culpable negligence and would also serve to reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents. Petrol Shortage The undesirability of imposing any restriction at present, in view of the difficulties caused by the petrol shortage, was mentioned by Mr F. Findlay, who said it was not everyone who could afford to use the taxi service. If any action were taken it would cause hardship among the poorer people in the town. As in England and o f her places in wartime, risks had to be taken. “It is impossible for us to condone any breach of the law,” said Mr W. R. Shattock, who also complained of the failure of the buses to draw right in to the kerb when coming to a standstill. Other speakers expressed the opinion that if an overloaded bus were to meet with an accident and passengers were killed the council would not be thanked for failing to take action after having been warned of the danger. Standing Passengers Mr Nicholson pointed out that the No. 1 Licensing Authority had authorised the buses to carry 17 passengers standing, in addition to those seated. The inspector’s report was received. “It is strange,” said Mr C. Lafferty, ’'that the taxis find it hard to find petrol to carry out their ordinary business in the town, but they had no difficulty in running freely to and from the races on Saturday.”