Evening star., 1926-05-23
Time for Action!

In nearly all Of the recent rulings
made by one Of the judges in the
Traffic Court. which have paralyzed
traffic regulations and thrown traffic
law into chaotic confusion the court
has indicated that it does not hold
that the Commissioners have not the
power to promulgate valid regula
tions similar to those declared void
and practically invites them to make
the regulations by their own direct
action. The court has held, however,
that the traffic director does not have
this authority under the wording Of
the traffic code
Congress. when it created the Office
OF the traffic director. specifically
stated in the code that the director
could make regulations only if ap.
proved by the Commissioners This
action automatically placed the di.
rector in a subordinate position, sub.
ordinate not only to the Commission.
ers, but to the superintendent Of po-
lice. The director has never had and
never will have power to make reg.
llations without going through the
regular channels. first to the Police
Department. and second. to the Com
mssioners. for the approval of both.
In section six. paragraph b. of the
traffic code is the following significant
clause: THE director is authorized to
make reasonable regulations in re-
spect to brakes. horns. lights, etc;
the speed and parking of vehicles, etc.
such regulations shall become eff
fective when adopted and promul-
gated by the Commissioners, in &C.
cOrdance with law"
IL would seem that the regula.
lions which have been reversed in
court are not regulations Of the traf.
&c director but of the Comifiission-
ers themselves. Inasmuch as the di-
rector is merely an advisor on traffic
matters. and has apparently no power
10 regulate. this inference would seem
10 be logical.
The court. however. has discrim-
mated between the direct and formal
action of the Commissioners and the
action of the commissioners on sug-
gestions from the traffic office. If
this informal action of the Commits
Sioners on traffic regulations as pre-.
scribed by Congress will not hold up
in court the answer is very plain. The
Commissioners should themselves
sanctify all regulations by their direct
action in accordance with the police
powers given them by Congress.
Surely the recent ruling permitting
horse. drawn vehicles to roam Six
'eenth street unregulated brings the
situation to q climax aald will con-
vince the most reluctant that the
time has arrived for the Commissioners
10 adopt a quick and decisive defense
against these decisions. If the court
will reverse all of the regulations sug.
Sested by the director and promul-
gated by the Commissioners. the city
heads should. without delay, By di-
rect action, put all Of the regulations
into such shape that they will be in.
vulnerable to court reverses
II is sad spectacle, indeed! Wash
ington. a city Of nearly a half million
people and 100000 motor cars, i'm.
potent to devise and enforce Iegula.
tions for the protection of life and
property. Washington, the National
Capital, in the throes of strife, con.
fusion and discomfort, simply because
the various agencies Of the local gov.
eminent cannot work in harmony to
place 1t on the plane It belongs with
other well regulated traffic cities.
The Commissioners have in their
hands the remedy for this situation.
VIII they grasp the opportunity to
bring order out Of chaos in the vital
traffic affairs of the city? All Wash.
.ngtcn is anxious to know the answer.