Traffic Regulations Amendments Gazetted

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29299, 2 September 1960, Page 10

Traffic Regulations Amendments Gazetted

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 1. Action to reduce intersection accidents is given priority in a number of amendments to the Traffic Regulations, which the Minister of Transport (Mr Mathison) announced today. From December 1, next, powercyclists are not to exceed 30 miles an hour unless they are wearing a safety helmet, and all L plate flat-deck trucks are to display a red rear light when stationary during the hours of darkness. An Order-in-Council, gazetted today, will bring most of the amendments into force on September 29.

“It is hoped New Zealand’s road toll will be effectively reduced as a result of the new regulations,” Mr Mathison said. “Whether they have the right of way or not, under the new regulations drivers will be committing an offence if they increase speed at an intersection at which any other vehicle is approaching or crossing,” he said. The intention of this amendment is to make it an offence to increase speed to gain the right of way at an intersection.

When a driver is approaching a stop sign in future, he must stop his vehicle in such a position that he is able to ascertain that the way is clear. This regulation replaces the existing regulation governing stopping at compulsory stop signs. Under the existing regulation. Mr Mathison said, magistrates have held that a driver who has stopped at a distance of 20 or 30 yards from the intersection, even though he was unable to see that the way was dear, has complied with the regulations. This result had, to some extent, detracted from the value of stop signs, and the amendment would overcome this difficulty. He listed other amendments.

most of which are aimed at reducing road hazards, as follows: (1) Flat-deck trucks exceeding 20ft in length must not be angle parked on a roadway during the hours of darkness, unless angle parking during those hours is indicated by an appropriate marking or sign. (2) A flashing red light visible in all directions may now be fitted to police and traffic officers’ cars and ambulances.

(3) Two new classes of road signs are introduced. The first is to indicate danger caused by disabled vehicles as a result of an accident or breakdown. These signs will bear the word “accident” or “breakdown” in white or silver reflective material on a black background with a red reflectorised border. The second is the advisory speed sign which was first introduced on the “guinea pig” highway to indicate to drivers the safe speeds to negotiate bends or turnings.

(4) Police and traffic officers and certain other people are to be authorised to erect warning signs in the case of temporary road hazards. At present only the road controlling authority has the. power to erect these signs. This was not sufficient to meet cases of emergency, Mr Mathison said.

(5) A driver is now permitted to park within three feet of a fire hydrant if he remains in his vehicle or leaves a person in charge of it who is capable of moving it if required. (6) Vehicles first registered after December L 1951, and capable of a speed of more than 30 miles an hour will require to have an efficient speedometer in working order. Owners will be given a period to comply with this regulation before it comes into effect