PASSING CARS ON LEFT

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27226, 18 December 1953, Page 12

PASSING CARS ON LEFT

ATTITUDE OF NORTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 17. The North Island Motor Union does not object to legislation permitting vehicles approaching intersections to pass on the left of others turning to the right, but it is opposed to overtaking on the left on the open highway. Regulations permitting these practices are being considered by the Transport Department. The proposal in the latter case is that a driver should be allowed to overtake and pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction, either on its left or right, provided the movement can be made safely. “Passing at intersections is actually practised today,” said Mr W. H. Brown, president of the union, today. “Any legislation would merely legalise what is at present happening. We are not over-keen to see any diversion from the rule of the road today, but we have no real objection.” Mr Brown said the organisation was opposed to passing on the left of cars on the highway. Any diversion from the rule of the road is not necessary in this country yet,” he said. “In countries such as the United States, where traffic densities are high, such rules are worth while, but the amount of traffic on New Zealand roads does not warrant such legislation at present. The secretary of the Automobile Association (Wellington), Mr W. A. Sutherland, declined to comment. He said the matter was now before the North and South Island Motor Unions, which had not come to an agreement yet.