MOTOR CONTROL

Evening Star, Issue 22525, 18 December 1936, Page 6

MOTOR CONTROL

SURVEY OF NEW REGULATIONS INSPECTIONS EACH SIX MONTHS LORRY DRIVERS' HOURS [Special to the * Star.’] WELLINGTON, December 18. A complete consolidation and simplification of the regulations for the control of road traffic nas been made by the Transport Department in accordance with the policy of the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) that there shall be one general set of rules for the guidance of motorists and others throughout tho Dominion. The opportunity has been taken of introducing further requirements, the most important being a six-monthly inspection of motors other than those running under the transport license system. This is to operate on and after March 31, 1937, Tho requirement of regulation 11 is that motor vehicles must carry a warrant of fitness issued not earlier than six months before the date of the use of the vehicle. The certificate notes the speedometer rending at time of examination and states that the vehicle has complied w r ith the requirements of tho traffic regulations concerning construction, equipment, and condition of motor vehicles. Though there is a maximum fee of 5s indicated for a certificate issued by an officer of the Crown, it is the department’s intention not to generally undertake inspections, the regulations stating that the warrant may bo issued by a city authority or a person or firm appointed or approved by the Minister of Transport. It is expected that the cost of inspection at approved garages will generally be about 2s 6d. MOTOR EQUIPMENT. While the motorist of experience will find that the consolidated regulations prescribe requirements with which he is generally familiar, there are some variations needing attention. Lighting is more specifically described, one minor but necessary requirement being that side lights must be either covered with frosted glass or a diffusing lens. The off-side (driver’s side) headlight of many cars will need readjustment to comply wtih the regulations, as it must project the centre of the main beam to meet the centre of the near-side beam at a distance not more than 200 ft ahead. Each headlight must he adjusted to project its beam downwards so as to meet a horizontal road surface at a distance not more than 200 ft ahead of the vehicle. Tail lights, formerly restricted to tho driver’s side, may in future be placed, if convenient, in the centre of the back of the vehicle. Spotlights arc permitted, but must be used without annoyance to other drivers. After March 31 a stationary vehicle must not use its headlights, the requirement being either dipping of the main lights

or use of parking lights. If at the parking place the vehicle is lighted from another source, making it visible at 150 ft, none of the car lights need be used. Braking requirements are carefully defined, and a point of is that if a trailer is used the braking efficiency of tho towing car must be capable of dealing with the combined weight. The foot-brake must bring the vehicle to a standstill within a distance of 40ft from 20 miles per hour, while the hand-brake must be equally efficient in 70ft and capable of holding the car at i-est on a grade of one in five. Mechanically operated windscreen wipers will be a compulsory requirement after March 31 next. A regulation immediately enforced is that \vhich prohibits the use on a motor vehicle or any ornament or fitting in a position where it is likely to strike any person with whom the vehicle may collide, unless it is in such a position as will not bo liable to inflict injury under such circumstances. _ In ro-defining loading and dimensions, the regulations impose a maximum height on loads of 14ft from the ground. _ When towing another vehicle, the distance hetwene each must not (unless with express permission of a controlling authority) be greater than 12ft, and unless, in addition, the towing rope carries a white rectangular cloth at least 18in by 9in. Towing at night is subject to the requirement that there must be a white light to show the towing connection and a tail light on the towed vehicle. RULES OF THE ROAD, Motorists.will find themselves familiar wjth the rules of the road as defined in clearer language in the new regulations. They must definitely keep as near as practicable to the left. The right-hand rule is slightly extended in its application, for it comes into force not only when the motorist is crossing any intersection, but when approaching it. The new definition of rights of pedestrians under these conditions is as follows: “ Every driver of a motor vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian engaged in crossing the roadway within any authorised pedestrian crossing upon tho half of the roadway over which such vehicle is lawfully entitled to travel, and when approaching such crossing the driver shall reduce his speed so as to be able to stop before reaching the crossing if necessary.” “ Whenever a motor vehicle has stopped or slowed down to yield the right of way in terms of the last preceding clause, it shall be unlawful for

the driver of any other motor vehicle approaching from the rear to overtake and pass such vehicle.” Tho overtaking rule prohibits the practice at an intersection or within SOft of it if tho front vehicle is travelling at a greater speed than sis miles per hour. Overtaxing is also illegal unless the driver has a clear view of the road and traffic for at least 300 ft ahead. Signalling of stop and turn are compulsory, and the Minister may approve of mechanical devices for this purpose. MOTOR CYCLES. The strength and direction of the headlight beam of motor cycles is to be the same as for cars, and the braking requirement, a capacity to pull up from 20 miles per hour without assistance from compression of the engine, within 40ft. Pillion riding is not mentioned, but there is a requirement that there must be foot-rests for every person other than those carried in a sidecar. Silencers are obligatory, and there must be no device which would interfere with their effectiveness. A person riding on a cycle other than the driver must sit astride, facing forward. LORRY DRIVING HOURS. Driving hours for all motor lorry drivers are defined in Regulation 20. They must not drive for a continuous fieriod longer than five and a-half lours, or continuous periods amounting to more than 11 hours in the 24. The driver must have at least 10 consecutive hours of rest in the 24, and 24 hours consecutive rest every seven days. Unavoidable delay due to special unforeseen circumstances is recognised as a defence. This regulation does not apply where under terms of transport licenses the working conditions are laid down.