HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 194, 18 August 1931, Page 9

HEAVY TRAFFIC.

ADVICE ON HIGHER SPEED.

EXPERTS BEING CONSULTED.

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

Considerable publicity has been given to discussions by local authorities and debates in the House of Representatives concerning the draft of the amendment to the heavy lorry regulations circulated by the Transport Department.' The original heavy lorry regulations were first issued in 1925 to empower road controlling authorities adequately to protect roads from heavy traffic by way of heavyt traffic fees, speed and weight restrictions, etc. ■ ■ • The Minister of Transport, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, in an interview with your correspondent, stated that the Transport Department has been actively engaged during the past two years carrying out extensive investigations into road transport generally and a great deal of attention has been devoted to the powers extended under the heavy lorry regulations. Specially qualified engineers were obtained from the Public Works Department, who were still engaged on this work in addition to their ordinary duties, and a good deal of information has already been placed before local authorities to illustrate the desirability of road protection powers being fully exercised. "The; response has been exceedingly gratifying in most casee," eaid the Minister, "with the result that about 3000 miles of important main highways have been classified by local authorities in conjunction with the Department for the purpose, of reducing the gross loads of vehicles. This, will result in considerable economies in road costs arid the actual coet of road transport. Not to Increase Costs. "Every opportunity has been taken to encourage road controlling authorities to bring about a wider observance of these heavy lorry regulations, but it is not likely that any action will be taken by the Transport Department which will have the' effect of materially increasing transport costs. -Much still remains to be done, however, and it is- interesting.

to note that some of those authorities who were loudest in their criticism of the suggested changes in the regulations are doing little or nothing to enforce the necessary restrictions under the existing regulations which'protect their own ratepayers. . It became desirable in view of the development in road standards and the design of' all kinds 61 motor vehicles and tyres to consider 'bringing the regulations up to date.. . . '* "Authority was-given by the- Government, following its usual policy of consultation . before finally adopting the changes, for the suggested alterations to be subniittedin draft form for constructive advice and comment from those mostly concerned. Unfortunately, however, the, Government's effort at harmonious consultation has not been universally accepted in that spirit,- although very constructive criticism has been obtained from many quarters. In some cases the proposals have been opposed on. the ground of additional expense, whilst economies, which far outweigh the cost under the regulations; have been ignored. Experts ana Higher Speeds. "In connection with the proposal to increase speed liinits in respect to vehicles equipped with pneumatic tyres," continued Mr. Veiteh. "These investigations have been carried out by fully qualified engineers. Obviously alterations in speeds would not have been suggested for modern vehicles unless the data available clearly indicated that the ultimate cost of road maintenance and transport generally would not be increased. In addition to the consideration given to these questions by the Transport Department, arrangements have been made with the Counties Association and others to hold a conference in Wellington to consider draft regulations and amendments. It will include representatives of local bodies, road users, motor interests as well as an executive committee specially set up by the Society of Civil Engineers to investigate rural roading in the Dominion. Adequate opportunity will therefore /be given for those who made representations to have their views thoroughly considered by engineering and other : experts. The result of the deliberations will- then be available to the • Government before the ■ regulations are finally agreed to. It ; was intended to hold this conference during the present month,' but cable advice has been received by the Department indicating that some recently obtained data, which has beeft forwarded, may have an important bearing on the regulations. It has been decided, therefore, to await this information, which should come to hand, early in before convening; thei- - ___ J.^ ./ ■'...■