Right-Hand Rule

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30809, 22 July 1965, Page 16

Right-Hand Rule

The recent decision of Mr K. H. J. Headifen, S.M., that traffic travelling north from Fitzgerald avenue into Whitmore street is “turning” and therefore must give way to traffic travelling east from Bealey avenue into London street will seem to most persons as sensible as it is no doubt sound in law. Even the Magistrate, however, took time to consider his decision: the drivers of vehicles approaching the intersection have only seconds or even fractions of a second in which to make up their minds about their rights and obligations. The Magistrate has endorsed the suggestion of counsel (Mr S. R. Dacre) that any cause for confusion at this intersection could have been avoided and should have been avoided by the use of “ stop " or “ give way ” signs. The Christchurch City Council and other local bodies would be wise to see how many other intersections in their districts give rise to similar avoidable confusion. The “ dog-leg ” crossing of Fitzgerald avenue by Tuam street is one over which there is much doubt in the minds of road users. On the analogy of Mr Headifen’s decision the right-of-way seems to rest securely with Fitzgerald avenue traffic; but the City Council cannot assume that everyone will have heard of the Court’s ruling.