SPECIAL LIGHTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 108, 3 November 1939, Page 8

SPECIAL LIGHTS

CARAVANS AND TRAILERS

LITTLE-KNOWN REGULATION

Holiday trippers who use caravans and trailers are not all aware that the motor regulations require special lighting of the vehicles as a safety measure. Attention is drawn to this matter in a statement by Mr. P. C. Watson, chief traffic inspector of the Transport Department.

Few drivers of cars drawing trailers or caravans; by night, he said, appear to be conversant with the amendment to .the traffic regulations which came into force on.September 1. 1939, and which requires that every vehicle drawing a trailer (which includes caravans) during the hours of darkness, mast display to the front and as high as possible a blue light of at least three square inches. This light must be visible at least 300 feet under normal atmospheric conditions. Few vehicles are so equipped, and action is being taken against the drivers of vehicles who fail to comply with the regulation in future.

The blue marker lights fitted to many caravans do r.ot comply with this regulation, which requires that the blue light shall be displayed on the car which is drawing the trailer.

Many operators, said Mr. Watsbn, are also unaware that trailers and caravans are motor vehicles within the meaning of the regulations, arid as such require to carry a current warrant of fitness.

It is also observed that many cars drawing trailers and caravans, while doing so have not the use of their interior-fitted rear view mirror. Where the view is obstructed through the height of the towed vehicle it is essential that an outside fitted mirror be attached to enable overtaking traffic to be observed.