RESTRICTIONS ON LIGHTING

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23361, 21 June 1941, Page 8

RESTRICTIONS ON LIGHTING

Obligations of Motorists

CYCLISTS ASKED TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE

Although cyclists in the city will for the time being not be called on to undertake special precautions under the new lighting regulations, they have been asked by the Commissioner of Transport (Mr G. L. Laurenson) to take particular care in their progress through Christchurch streets. Mr Laurenson made thiS appeal to “The Press” yesterday. Cyclists will be called on to carry additional lights only in “parked light” areas, none of which has been.stipulated yet, but Mr Laurenson has asked that all cyclists should assist m the general observance. . “Under ‘dipped’ conditions, cyclists are not called on to carry any additional lights,” Mr Laurenson said, “but cyclists are asked to take more than extra care, to keep to their side of the road and not to ride abreast. They can help very materially in this way. In the parked light areas (when they are declared) cyclists will be asked to carry tail lights; but that will apply only if any of those areas are declared. Yesterday afternoon Mr Laurenson met members of the South Island Motor Union and had a general discussion with them about the application of the regulations. The discussion was held in committee, but Mr Laurenson said afterwards that it had been friendly and helpful. He said that it had been .emphasised that the regulations would not take effect until the necessary signs had been erected, and the South Island Motor Union, with the Automobile Association (Canterbury) had agreed to take on the job of having them erected immediately. Distinguishing Marks Mr Laurenson was asked to comment on a suggestion made in the city that soldiers in uniform, doing point duty, and others should have suitable distinguishing marks. He said that the city authorities had full power to insist on the type of uniform to be worn and any such marks necessary, in the carrying out of the regulation?. Mr Laurenson asked that the owners of motor-vehicles take immediate action to have their lights adjusted to comply with the regulations. He said that in the early stages of the application of the regulations, action would not be taken against those motorists who could prove that they had made every endeavour to comply with them but who had been unable to proceed because of pressure of work on the garages or for other fair reasons. In the Christchurch area—which would Jirobably include Christchurch city and the adjacent populated areas, with the Boroughs of Sumner, Riccarton, and Lyttelton—the restrictions at present simply meant that the near light had to be specially dipped and the offhand light adjusted to not more than 7-watts power. That, Mr Laurenson contended, would give a reasonable driving light. He warned pedestrians to keep to to use the authorised pedestrian crossings, and to wear something white when crossing roads. The present speed restriction of 30 miles an hour would apply, he said, but to avoid danger, motorists might have to reduce the speed below that level. . Mr Laurenson said that the exact details of the areas where the restrictions would apply would be published later. As they. were at present, all that was required of motorists was a, slight adjustment of the wiring system. That ought not to cost more than from 5s to 10s.