Traffic Regulations

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28217, 4 March 1957, Page 8

Traffic Regulations

The new traffic regulations which came into force on March 1 are designed to promote safety on the roads, in many cases by simplifying the existing laws. All road users are affected, and all should familiarise themselves with the new rules. It is unfortunate that while some of the new regulations are effective forthwith, others will not come into effect until specified dates, until notice has been given in the New Zealand Gazette, or until action has been taken by local authorities. The major x changes affecting driving in the ' cities depend upon the selection of suitable intersections for passing traffic along marked lanes. To a great extent the provisions for overtaking on the left—perhaps the most controversial of the new regulations —depend on the institution of lane control at intersections and on the constitution of limited speed zones. Motorists will be clearer about details when the promised new Road Code incorporating the new regulations is available for ready study. Until the traffic authorities make the position at intersections thoroughly clear, vehicle drivers should follow the principles of good, safe driving—as, indeed, the final part of the new regulation requires when it says that a motorist overtaking on the left must: (a) ensure that safety is not affected; (b) apply the

right-hand rule or obey stop signs; (c) give way to pedestrians on pedestrian crossings. The new regulations put pedestrians under stronger obligations to use pedestrian crossings and to observe signals, either manual or by traffic lights. Cyclists will notice that an ambiguity about their position under certain traffic rules has been cleared up. Cyclists are now included in the definition of “ driver ’’ and so are bound by all the rules of the road in part 111 of the regulations. There is no longer any doubt that they must yield the right of way to pedestrians on pedestrian crossings and stop at stop signs. Cyclists could well give special attention to the new regulation about overtaking on the left, which stops far short of granting the freedom many Christchurch cyclists take to themselves at intersections. For their own safety and that of others, cyclists should notice that, as drivers, they are required to give proper slow-down, stop, and turn signals. Many motorists, as well as cyclists, have yet to learn that proper signals are very much more than a perfunctory wave of the hand. The new regulations designed • to tighten up the legal requirements for the mechanical fitness of vehicles, trailers, power cycles, and bicycles should have everyone’s support.