MOTOR REGULATIONS.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIV, Issue 21, 17 March 1933, Page 4

MOTOR REGULATIONS.

Much time, trouble and thought have been spent by the Transport authorities in compiling regulations designed to control motor traffic and make the roads safe for all users. The regulations which have just been gazetted make a formidable budget for the motorist. Devotees to speed will find their ambitions curtailed to a limit of 40 miles per hour on any road which has not a concrete, tar or bituminous surface, but even then there are local restrictions, the offence of driving under "circumstances which might be dangerous" is still in existence, and it is still the responsibility of the motorist to prove that, in the absence of any other limits any speed in excess of 35 miles per hour is not dangerous. The restrictions which local authorities may impose within districts under their control remain the same as previously, the standard maximum being 25 miles per hour. The limit is 15 miles an hour in the vicinity of schools on school days, and also on approaches to corners where the view is obscured. The requirements regarding brakes and lights are stringent and power has been given to a police or traffic officer to demand the surrender of number plates if he considers the equipment of a vehicle is not fit for service on the road. In future brake equipment must be up to a specified standard. A footbrake which does not stop a vehicle in 40ft. from an initial speed of 20 miles an hour is illegal and may involve the owner of the car in court proceedings, while hand brakes must be effective for parking on steep grades without the gears being engaged. So far as lighting is concerned, most of the regulations in force dealing with the adjustment of headlights and prosecutions against dazzling lights, remain, while the tail-lamp must be powerful enough to render the rear number plate readable at a distance of 60ft.