Evening star., 1925-03-08
AUTO TRADE GROUP
FAv0RS NEW CODE
VIII! Aid in Enforcing Traffic
ReguIations-SeeS Ben
eft to City.

Wholehearted support of the new
traffic code for the District of Co
lumbia, just enacted by Congress.
was pledged by the Washington Auto
motive Trade Association in a state
men urging all motorists also to CO.
operate with the authorities in their
efforts to make Washington an ideal
traffic city. Marked decrease in the
number OF traffic accidents is eN-
pected this year as a direct result OF
the more stringent regulations and
the increase in enforcement power.
While the law embodies one or two
minor features which are somewhat
distasteful TO the motoring public,
particularly the provision requiring
an annual permit the code as q
whole, the statement says, is quite
comprehensive and should prove a
model for other cities. 1t represents
sLe best opinions OF some of the most
eminent traffic authorities Fin the
country.
SteR Forward Seen.
The section providing for the
establishment of arterial highways is
cited by the trade association as a
distinct step forward in eXpeditins
traffic. Experience in other cities, II
is stated, has shown that the boule-
ward stop system is an absolute
necessity in any large city.
Washington motorists have reason
to expect that the next twelve months
will show a decided decrease in the
Capital Paul B. Lum, president of
the Washington Automotive Trade
Association, said, in commenting on
the new law. THE new regulations
are not only more stringent than
those previously on the statute books,
but there is a greater likelihood of
their enforcement. In other words,
the law has teeth being backed by
the assignment OF 100 more officers
TO traffic duty and the addition of two
police judges.
The Washington automobile deal
ers considered the traffic bill as one
of the most important pieces of legis-
lation for the District in the closing
sessions of the last Congress. The
measure was followed closely by the
associations traffic committee from
the time of its introduction to the
time it was finally passed, by both
houses and sent to the President.
Objections Bring Results.
Several features of the bill as 1t
was originally introduced were op-
posed by the association, and subse-
quently most of these Objectionable
sections We're amended either on the
floor or in conference, particularly
the. speed limit, impounding Of
vehicles for violation OF parking reg
ulations and certain other sections
carrying what was believed to be too
drastic penalties.
The association members, as mo-
torists, opposed the section providing
for the renewal of drivers permits
annually at a fee of 81 on the ground
that it was an unnecessary burden on
the motorist as well as nuisance
and an annoyance. This fee was re-
duced to 81 by the Senate and the
whole section eliminated entirely in
conference, only to be restored to the
81 basis by the House, i'm which form
the section was passed.
Aside from that phase OF the law,
the new code. together with such
additional provisions as the director
of traffic shall prescribe from time to
time, is one that doubtlessly will
prove model for other cities. In the
interest of safer streets in Washing
ton, it deserves the wholehearted
support of every conscientious citi-
zen, whether motorist or pedestrian