ROAD RIGHTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1936, Page 11

ROAD RIGHTS

QUESTION FOR MOTORISTS. [PEE PEESS ASSOCIATION.] NELSON, February 11. The South Island Motor Union recommendation to Associations to erect signposts on side roads, bearing the words, “Caution! Main Road Ahead,” was discussed by the Nelson Automobile Association. The president (Dr. S. A. Gibbs) said that the question arose as to whether the main road user had any rights over the side road user. At first, it had seemed apparent that there were no such rights, but in two judgments the local Magistrate had definitely stated that the main road traffic had the preference over side road traffic. Mr. C. M. Rout said that a greater degree of care was necessary on the part of the side roads user when emerging on to a 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 occurs at the junction of a main and 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 as to whether the main road user had any right over the 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. AUCKLAND PEDESTRIANS AUCKLAND, February 11. A new system of traffic control for the greater safety of pedestrians was inaugurated in Auckland city yesterday. The crossing zones at the busiest intersections were marked with white parallel lines to eliminate “jay-walk-ing.” It was noticeable during the noon hour rush that citizens readily fell into the new method of crossing by the direct route.