The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-07-21
TRAFFIC LAW IS
SIGNED BY MAYOR
Amended Ordinance Has No
Loophole Now for Cars to
Slip Through.
souARELY UP TO POLICE
Department Preparing for Rigid
Enforcement-Some Good
Sections.
SQUARELY UP TO POLICE

Mayor Richardson yesterday APP
proved the amended traffic ordinance
and Immediately notified the Police
Department that it was now in effect.
After the measure was printed some
weeks ago several Typographical err
rors. in unimportant sections were
found. and rather than take chances
the police asked the Council to get 1t
in binding shape before the work
of enforcing 1t was begun. The Com
mon Council promptly fixed 1t. then
the Board concurred and now the
Mayor has put 1T squarely up to the
police. They may begin work just as
soon they see fit.
The need of this law has long been
urged by the public the newspapers
and especially the Police Commits
sioners.
No Loopholcs This Time.
There are no loopholes through
which Police Court lawyers may drive
motor cars or trucks. and as Justice
Crutchfeld is on record against the
nuisance of the past it.is expected
that he will make an example of every
person found guilty OF violating its
sections. 1t will require some time
for the police to understand all Of
the various clauses, and the public
may not undertake to do so. but the
best lessons will be learned in court,
where full cooperation between the
bench and the Police apartment is
assured. While the automobile will
come in for much attention. all We
hicular traffic except street cars and
baby carriages is included. and heavy
penalties are provided for every vio-
lation. Then, If the law is not severe
enough. 1t will be amended again by
providing a Jail sentence for continu
Gus performers in Justice Crutchfield's
temple of justice.
Under the traffic ordinance a fine
can be imposed on the owner or oper
ator OF any car which fills the air with
smoke. Under that same ordinance
fine can be imposed on any child un-
der sixteen years of age who sits at
the wheel.
Any police officer can arrest any
chauffeur who is operating a car that
smokes. This nuisance in New York
City has been almost entirely elimi-
mated by the courts, due largely to
the aid of the newspapers which have
demanded action on the part OF the
authorities.
Want Still Stronger Inv.
Automobile dealers and owners gen.
orally have suggested that the police,
acting under the broad powers con-
fcrred by Council. designate a board
or a committee to get the names and
ages of all boy and girl drivers. and
have some competent persons see what
they knew about the operation of
car even If they happen to be older
than sixteen. But 1T l. realized that
If the law is to be effective 1t is nee
essary to have some examination or
license system-some method by which
the police can find out what minors
are violating the law.
The police will be "schooled" by
Major Werner. They will be required
to show that they understand the pro-
visions of the ordinance, and when
they recome familiar with the rules
they will be sent out to pick up all
persons who are not obeying the law.
The crusade has not started yet. but
It will he started. and the police will
have strict orders from headquarters
under which nobody can escape