MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3332, 26 September 1911, Page 6

MOTOR TRAFFIC.

LICENSING OF DRIVERS.

DANGERS OF THE ROAD

[.SPECIAL TO TIMES.! WELLINGTON, Sept. 25 Proposals calculated to reduce the dangers of the road! were made to the Prime Minister this morning by a deputation of delegate representing the Automobile Associations of Auckland, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and Christchurch. Legislation was asked for to provide, that' all vehicles travelling by road at night should be adequately lighted; ■ In-this connection one of the speakers mentioned a device known as the reflex red-light, the’-use of which is being advocated by-motorists. It is a sin all reflector. upon the surface of which is a. red 1 disc, and when fixed upon the rear of a vehicle it serves the purposes of a tail light, as the reflection catches the light from the- lamps of an overhauling motor car and indicates the presence of a slower vehicle ahead. Tlie- Prime Minister was asked to bring in to operation a system of licensing motor car drivers similar to the English system, a suggestion being made that no -person under seventeen should be licensed. The deputation also asked for a State subsidy on the .£ for £ basis, on the expenditure by Automobile Associations of the erection of danger signals, where the character of the route involved risks of accidents.

The complaints against excessive speed in motoring were discussed by a representative of the Wellington Association, who suggested that the police should enforce the existing laws for the protection of the public. Sir Joseph Ward' replied that lie appreciated the necessity for a proper control of motor traffic, and for the provision against possible accidents. He was prepared to help the Associations, but it was "very problematical whether the legislation suggested could be enacted this year. He agreed with the representations regarding the lighting of vehicles, and said there was no .reason why the State should not assist in the provision of danger signals. Sir Joseph Ward .expressed liis agreement with the proposal that drivers should' he licensed, and that no • one under 17 should be allowed to drive a motor car. He saw no reason* why the questions should not be discussed next, session.