MAIN ROAD JUNCTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1936, Page 13

MAIN ROAD JUNCTIONS

THE RIGHTS OF TRAFFIC

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) NELSON, February 11. The South/Island Motor Union's recommendation to associations to signpost side roads, "Caution, Main Koad Ahead," was discussed by the Nelson Automobile Association today. The president, Dr. S. A. Gibbs, said that the question arose whether a mainroad user had any rights over a sideroad user. At first it seemed apparent th'at .there were no such rights, but in two judgments the local Magistrate had definitely stated that main-road traffic had preference over side-road traffic. Mr. C. M. Rout said that a greater degree of care was necessary on the part of the side-road user when emerging on to the main road. However, that did not mean that the main-road man should barge ahead at a terrific speed and take no notice of what was coming from the side. Dr. Gibbs: Legally, the onus for an accident which may occur at the junction of a main and a side road is thrown on the side-road user? Mr. Rout said that there was a prima facie case. Dr. Gibbs said that before erecting signs it seemed desirable to obtain legal opinion whether a main-road user had any right over a side-road user. It was resolved that a remit be sent to the South Island Motor Union recommending that legal advice be obtained on the matter.