BUS TRAFFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 303, 22 December 1926, Page 18

BUS TRAFFIC.

MORE REGULATIONS. PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC. DESIGN OF THE VEHICLES. (By Telegraph—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. Last night's Gazette contains a lengthy list of new regulations issued under the Motor Omnibus Traffic Act of last session. All licensed litifo* are required to be iitted with at lenst two doorways, one <>t which may bo reserved for use in emergency only. In such cases the doorway has to bo fitted with a speciallyprescribed emergency door, kept free from exterior obstruction, and a notice displayed indicating the means for opening it. Provision is math 1 for testing lock.- and other parts. A ready means of exit must be available for the driver, who is further protected by the provisions relating to seating accommodation, \ isibility. and the furnishing of mirrors for viewing rear traffic. Limitation of Liquid Fuel. Not more than 46 imperial gallons of liquid fuel may be carried on any bus at one time, save with the consent of the inspecting engineer, to be given only in special circumstances and for temporary purposes. No liquid fuel is to be carried otherwise than in the permanent carrying tanks, which must be properly constructed, and it must not be supplied to the bus while the engine is running. Each bus must be fitted with two efficient independent brakes, one at least of which must be operated by a pedal, and two suitable fire extinguishers. Other constructional requirements relate to protection from vibration, protection of other traffic, accumulation of benzine, steering, destination signs, spare whee!, tools, etc. If a bus-owner desires to carry passengers over any route different from that on which the bus was used at the time of its last inspection by the inspecting engineer, the written approval of the inspecting engineer must first be obtained, and no alteration shall be made in the design or construction of the bus (otherwise than for fair maintenance requirement), nor shall any bulky equipment of fittings be added without the prior written approval of the inspecting engineer. On the presentation to the inspecting engineer of a bus for inspection a certify cate signed by the owner has to be given with respect to any alterations made or proposed to be made in the route since the last inspection, and also i with respect to any alterations in the j brake mechanism pr gear ratio (includ-1 ing particulars as to the size and nature of tyres), and in the general condition of the bus. If no such alterations have been made a certificate to that effect will be given. Standard for the Future. Special regulations are incorporated which are applicable only to motor buses first licensed after August 1 nest. Those summarised operate virtually from May 31 next. The later regulations deal comprehensively with doorways, scats, passageways dimensions, lighting, steps, miscellaneous fitting and general chassis requirements. That they have been framed with a view to providing a standard for tie future construction, of buses is indicated in the clause which reads: "Before any new omnibus is licensed the inspecting engineer shall be supplied before inspection (and preferably before construction) with the maker's specifications and other data covering the design, strength and weight of the chassis, gear ratios, revolutions of engine when running at normal speed and, when possible, steering -mechanism ratios. Similarly, plans drawn to scale and specifications shall be supplied showing all important dimensions and covering the design, strength and quality of materials for the body and fittings." As a step further in providing a safer and more comfortable mode of travel for the passenger, the regulations specify the maximum length of a bus, including fittings, attachmentsiand load, as 28ft, and the maximum wwth as Bft. Special ventilation has to be supplied, and for the protection of pedestrians from front collision the bus must be fitted with a front protection guard. Question of Exemption. The Minister of Public Works is invested with authority to grant exemption in special circumstances from the provisions of any of the regulations contained in the Gazette notice. The procedure is for the owner to apply to the inspecting engineer, stating the grounds on which exemption is sought. If, in the opinion of the inspecting engineer, the grounds are frivolous, he may digmiss the application without reference to the Minister. The financial circumstances of the owner will not constitute a ground for an exemption application. Other Orders-in-Council issued to-night approved the terms of the insurance policies (general indemnity and separate indemnity) issued in terms of the Act and the companies who will effect the policies.