AUTHORISED TO CLOSE ROADS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30739, 1 May 1965, Page 19

AUTHORISED TO CLOSE ROADS

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 29. Roading authorities have been authorised to close a road for a period or series of periods of not more than 12 hours each in any successive 24 hours for vehicle races, trials, carnivals, processions, sporting or other events.

Regulations to this effect were gazetted tonight. The Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) said this

afternoon at least 42 days notice in at least one newspaper circulating in the district concerned must be given, and objections could be lodged not later than 28 days before the proposed closure, to close the road, a further notice must be given at least “If the authority decides 24 hours before the closure is to be effected,” he said. The regulations provide roads may not be closed unless the roading authority is satisfied the organisers have arranged adequate insurance to cover death or injury of participants and spectators or damage to property. Mr McAlpine said the controlling authority could issue special permits to persons other than competitors or officials who might need to use the road during the period of closure. “Motor-vehicles while taking part in events on closed roads —will be exempt from certain rules of the road such as speed restrictions, registration, licensing and the requirements for a warrant of fitness,” he said.