BUS CONTROL

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 75, 22 December 1926, Page 10

BUS CONTROL

ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS SAFETY OF PASSENGERS AND DRIVER CONSTRUCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS Additional regulations under the Motof Omnibus Traffic Act of last session relating to the design, construction, and condition of buses were gazetted last night. The underlying idea is the protection of the travelling public and the driver of the vehicle. All licensed buses are required to be fitted with at least two doorways, one of which may be reserved for use in emergency only. In such cases the doorway has to be fitted with a specially prescribed emergency door, kept free from exterior obstruction, and a notice displayed indicating the means for opening it. At least once a week every door in the bus will have to be opened and closed, and locks and other parts tested to ensure that the doors and locks are maintained in good working order. Every doorway must be provided. with a suitable non-slip tread plate, and a ready means of exit must be available for the driver, who is further protected by the provisions relating to seating accommodation, visibility, and the furnishing of mirrors for viewing rear traffic, etc. Not more than forty-six Imperial gallon, of liquid fuel may be carried on any one bus at one time, save with the consent of the inspecting engineer, to be given only in special circumstances and for temporary purposes. No liquid fuel is to be carried otherwise than in the permanent carrying-tanks, which must be properly constructed, and it must not be supplied to the bus while the engine is running. Each bus must be fitted with two efficient independent brakes, one at least of which must be operated by a pedal, and two suitable fire extinguishers. Other constructional requirements relate to protection from vibration, chains, .and breakage, oil protection, protection of other traffic, accumulation of benzine, steering, and provision of destination signs, reflector, spare wheel, tools, etc. Alterations in Route. If a bus owner desires to carry passengers over any route different from that on which the bus was used at the time of its last inspection by the inspecting engineer, the written approval of the inspecting engineer must first be obtained; and no alteration shall be made in the design or construction of the bus (otherwise than for fair maintenance requirements), nor shall any bulky equipment or fittings be added without the prior written approval of the inspecting engineer. On the presentation to the inspecting engineer of a bus for inspection, a certificate signed by the owner has to be given with respect to any alterations made or proposed to be made in the route since the last inspection, and also with respect to anv alterations in the; brake mechanism or gear ratio (including particulars as to the size and nature of tires) and in the general condition of the omnibus. If no such alteration- have been made, a certificate to that effect will be given. For New Buses. Special regulations are incorporated which are applicable only to motor-buses first licensed after August 1 next. Those summarised above operate virtually from May 31 next. The later regulations deal comprehensively with doorways, seats, passageways, . dimensions, body, lighting, steps, miscellaneous fittings, and general chassis requirements. That they have been framed with a view to providing a standard for the future construction of buses is indicated in the clause which reads: “Before any hew omnibus is licensed the inspecting engineer shall be supplied, before inspection (and preferably before construction) with the makers’ specifications and other data, covering the design, strength, and weight of the chassis, gear ratios, revolutions of engine when running at normal speed, and, when possible, steering-mechanism ratios. Similarly, plans drawn to scale and specifications shall be supplied showing all important dimensions, and covering the design, strength, and quality of materials for the bodv and fittings.”

As a step further in providing a safer and more comfortable mode of travel for the passenger, the regulations specify the maximum length of an omnibus, including fittings, attachments, and load, as 28 feet, and the maximum width as 8 feet. Special ventilation has to be supplied, and for the protection of pedestrians . from front collision the bus will require to be fitted with a front protective guard.

Exemptions. The Minister of Public Works is invested with authority to grant exemption, in special circumstances, from the provisions of any of the regulations contained in the “Gazette” notice. The procedure is for the. owner to apply to the inspecting engineer, stating the grounds on which exemption is sought, and if, -in the opinion of the inspecting engineer, the grounds are frivolous, he may dismiss the application, without reference to the Alinister. The financial circumstances of the owner will not constitute a ground for an exemption application. Other Orders-in-Council issued last night approved the terms of the insurance policies (general indemnity and separate indemnity) issued in terms of the Act. and the companies who will effect the policies.