157. During the year, a total of 80,994 candidates were registered for driving tests and at the end of the year the number of licensed drivers was 164,056. Further information on driver licensing is contained in Appendix 20.
INSPECTION OF VEHICLES
158. 25,884 motorized and 250 non-motorized vehicles were inspected in the period under review. These figures are lower than in recent years and reflect difficulties in attracting suitable candidates to the newly created 'civilian' posts of Mechanical Inspector in the Traffic Branch. An intensive campaign was launched during the year to combat the growing nuisance of excessive exhaust smoke. Diesel-powered goods vehicles and Taxis were the worst offenders in this respect.
159. Incorrect maintenance, particularly of fuel-injection systems, was considered to be the main cause of 'black smoke' and efforts were made to educate vehicle-operators in the fuel-saving economies to be achieved through proper maintenance techniques. Lectures and demonstrations of these tech- niques were well-attended by diesel fleet-operators and their maintenance staff.
ROAD ACCIDENTS
160. The year's total of road accidents was 12,866 which is 65 fewer than in the preceding year. There were increases, however, in all categories of 'injury' accidents and the overall reduction is attributed solely to the more widespread awareness among motorists that 'damage only' accidents do not need to be reported to the Police.
161. Comparative accident statistics for the past five years are shown. below:
1960-61
1961-62
1962-63
1963-64 1964-65
Fatal Accidents
196
206
277
260
284
Involving Serious Injuries
1,756
1,917
2,300
2,295
2,609
Involving Slight Injuries
5,081
5,250
6,006
6,426
6,439
Involving Damage Only
7,618 7,634
7,554 3,950
3,534
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
162. 99,194 cases were taken to court during the year. Comparative prosecution statistics over the past five years are shown at Appendix 21.
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