Old Anomaly In Law Removed
Fifteen State documents put before the King for his signature spelt pardon for many motorists convicted of causing injury by negligently opening their car doors and freedom for drivers generally from an old legal restriction. The Automobile Association has achieved this result by a campaign which sought, to give effect to the decision by Lord Chief Justice Goddard this year that Section 78 of the Highways Act, 135, does not apply to any act of casual carelessness when the vehicle is stationary. Up to now a motorist injuring anyone by opening the door of his parked car could be prosecuted criminally for negligence, as well as incurring possible damages in a civil court. The A.A. records include convictions registered against motorists under this century-old Act from 1940 to last year. After A.A. representations to the Home Office subsequent to this High Court decision the Department have now notified the association that 15 pardons have been granted.
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 37, 12 September 1949, Page 5
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161Old Anomaly In Law Removed Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 37, 12 September 1949, Page 5
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