RIGHT OF THE ROAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1926, Page 10

RIGHT OF THE ROAD.

LAW OR CUSTOM?

POSITION OP FIRE BRIGADES. MUST GIVE WARNING. (Ey Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. Reporting to the Wellington Fire Board, Superintendent Creke said he had made careful inquiries into tbe recent collision between one of the fire engines and a motor car, as a result of which both were somewhat seriously damaged. He had come to the conclusion that the brigade driver did his best to avoid the collision. He swerved to one side and etruck the car a glancing hlow. In so doing, he had swerved to the wrong side, but had he not done so, it was probable that some of the brigadesmen on duty would have been seriously .injured. The repair of the damage to the engine would he about £40. The Board should take notice that the accident, would not have happened had it not been for a malicious false alarm. It was decided by the Board that, if a claiir for damage was received, it should he referred to the city solicitor. A member asked whether on such an occasion fire engines had the right of way. Mr. Luckie remarked that the urgent nature of their business and the traditional respect for that duty gave fire engines a certain right over - certain vehicles that be driven carelessly, hut they could not have the right without living proper warninjr. He did not think the Act gave fire brigades any special rights to the' road. The superintendent said'it was customary to give a warning and for all other vehicles to pull out of the way. The chairman said he had never heard that they had any special right of way. It was a new point. The matter was referred to the city solicitor.