RIGHT OF THE ROAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 195, 19 August 1927, Page 10

RIGHT OF THE ROAD.

OFF-SIDE RULE DISCUSSED, ACTIO* BY AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION. MINISTER PROMISES ACTION.

Some three years ago the need for traffic control at street intersections was concerning the motorists' representatives—the automobile associations —and there was then considerable discussion as to whether the "off," or "near side" rule would be the better. Finally at a conference of motorists from the North and South Islands, the "offside," or right-hand rule was adopted, and immediate steps were taken to have the Government include this rule in the regulations under the Motor Vehicles Bill. After numerous representations had been made to the Minister, be gave a definite promise over eighteen months ago that when the new regulations case forward the offside rule would be included. For some unaccountable reason there has been one delay after another and probably still further delay by the change of control from one department to another. Now that the matter is in the hands of the Public Works Department the long-waited regulations are expected this session. In addition to the offside rule, there will be a number of improvements which the automobile associations have been demanding for some years, not the least important is the motorists' system of traffic signals. In the past local bodies have imposed their own by-laws, and in numerous cases these have been not only confusing, but directly opposite to those of a neighbouring town. The result of the new regulations will be the establishment of a universal set of motor driving rules in place of many of the present local body by-laws. While this controversy has been going on, the automobile associations have been doing their best to improve matters pending the Government's action. Over two years ago members were circularised requesting them to observe the offside rule, and by bringing it into general use to strengthen the action of the combined associations. Locally, the A.A-A. approached the City Council and other local bodies w ' t J h the result that in Auckland city and many country towns in the A A x district, the rule has for some time been embodied under the by-laws. Tbo A* \ has also stressed the offside rule in its »»tor ty-U. bootfet .iid, j, free to all motorists and is given out by local traffic authorities to new v 7 means of broadcasting lectures has also endeavaured to imnresf on motorists their duty in this reJ£S?