Drivers’ Obligations In Limited Speed Zones

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29734, 30 January 1962, Page 14

Drivers’ Obligations In Limited Speed Zones

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 29. Raising the speed limit from 50 to 55 miles an hour did not affect motorists’ responsibilities in limited i>peed zones, the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) said tonight “Since the announcement of the increase in the speed limit on the open road some persons have been wondering whether the new regulation makes any difference to motorists’ responsibilities in limited speed zones," he said “In the legal sense there will be no difference, as 30 miles an hour remains the maximum speed in these areas unless the road is clear “This means that the obligation is on the individual road user to reduce his speed to 30 miles an hour, or even less, when higher speeds would be unsafe—that is. when weather is poor or visibility limited, children are about, traffic is dense, the road is in bad shape, or when for any other reason fast travel might be risky. *T must point out that, even when the road within a limited speed zone appears to be clear and there is no longer any obligation to restrict speeds below 30 miles an hour, the motor driver stil’ has the responsibility of driving at a safe speed Most of these zones pass through semi-built-up areas, often with hidden entrances and side roads, and there is always a possibility of a sudden emergency occurring at these places. "The maximum safe speed in a limited speed zone, or anywhere else for that

matter, is, obviously, not affected by the raising of the speed limit from 50 to 55 miles an hour," Mr McAlpine said