MOTOR CONTROL

Evening Star, Issue 19712, 12 November 1927, Page 4

MOTOR CONTROL

UNIFORMITY IN DOMINION DRAFT REGULATIONS OFF-SIDE DOLE ADOPTED PILLION RIDING PERMITTED [ [Special to the ‘Star.’] ■WELLINGTON, November 11. A national system of motor regulation is to be inaugurated, if possible, before the Christmas holiday traffic commences. Draft regulations are to be immediately circulated by the Public [Works Department to local bodies and motorists’ associations, who aro invited to forward suggestions by December 1 to tho Under-Sccretary.

In a covering memorandum tbo Un-der-Secretary states: Though- considerable care has beeu taken in compiling the draft regulations, it is not claimed that they are perfect. Therefore constructive criticism is desired and should add to their value, as, although they aro issued by the General Government, the regulations will bo administered and enforced by local / bodies and the police.

A lighting regulation limits the number of car headlights to two. They | shall bo of equal candle-power, so fb- ' cussed as to project the main beam not higher than lift Cin at a distance of ,7oft. An alternative draft proposes to require focussing as above-in the caso of headlights of a confusing or dazzling nature, or of a brilliance so intense as to aifcct tho vision of persons approaching. The Under-Secrotary states that after an opportunity has been given far criticism it will be decided whether to insist on ail being adjusted or only those not so equipped as to be of anti-dazzling nature. Sidelights will bo permitted not higher than six candle-power. One spotlight is also, allowed, but only for use in the direction in which the vehicle is moving. Dimming is forbidden. Adequate brake equipment is defined,' and every motor vehicle is required to have two independent’ brakes. Siren, warning devices are reserved for fire engines, and bells ior ambulanes, though sirens may be used on vehicles collecting milk or produce from ■ fanners in the course of trade. They must only be used in the latter caso to call tho attention of the farmers to the vehicle’s arrival. Fire engine drivers may only use the siren when responding to an alarm of fire, . RULES OF THE ROAD. There are rls rules of the road. In regulation 11, overtaking vehicles must give warning before passing, and must not return to tho left side until ISft clear of the overtaken vehicle. Stationary trams must not be passed at stopping places, except where there is a safety zone, when tho speed is limited to 10 miles an hour. Overtaking within 30ft of an intersection or corner is prohibited. The regulations incorporate an offside rule, under which a vehicle on the driver’s right at an intersection must ■bo given the right of the road. Drivers' 1 signals arc prescribed. If about to stop, a driver must bend las right forearm directly upwards, with the upper part of the arm directly outwards from tho body and horizontal. A driver turning to the right must extend the full right arm horizontally. A left turn must be indicated by sounding a warning instrument sharply twice. ’ • Mechanical signals of direction or stopping will be recognised as an alternative. motor cycle passengers. Regulations propose to legalise pillion riding on motor cycles, though no person shall ride on a motor cycle without a sidecar attached m any other position than seated astride of the machine and facing forward. Passenger, loads are limited, being two for motor cycles’and four where a sidecar is attached. „ . SPEED LIMITS. There is a general regulation that no person shall drive any motor vehicle at such a speed that the vehicle cannot be brought to a standstill within half the distance of clear joad which is visible to the driver immediately in front of the vehicle. (2) Ko person, shall drive any motor ■ vehicle at a speed in excess of the following limits: —(a) Thirty-five miles an hour for a continuous distance of over a quarter of a mile; (b) 25 miles an hour within the limits of any borough or town district; (c) ■ls miles per hour when passing a school or hospital to which any erected traffic sign relates, when approaching any intersection which is of such a nature that when the driver is 90ft away ho does not have, a clear, and uninterrupted view of it and of the traffic upon every road leading thereto for a distance of 90ft beyond such intersection, or when passing any portion of road undergoing alterations or repairs; (d) 10 miles per hour when going through any tunnel or, when going round curves or corners of any road, if the driver’s view of the roacf in. front °f him is obstructed 60ft. away "(or less) in the direction in which he is proceeding—at which time, also/ adequate and repeated signals must he given by the use of a warning Instrument—and when passing any stationary omnibus on its route making in the same direction, or any stationary tram on its ronto making in an opposite direction. Local bodies may impose lower limits if these are indicated by uniform traffic, signs,, which tho regulations describe. They are also required to erect limit signs at reasonable distances along a route. Local authorities will cominit a breach of the regulations if they fail to comply with the signposting of,speed regulations, though for two - years after their coming into operation existing indications will be deemed sufficient.