MOTOR REGULATIONS

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1932, Page 2

MOTOR REGULATIONS

FOR HEAVY VEHICLES. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, February 17. Provision is made under the Heavy Motor Vehicle Regulations, permitting any controlling authority to prohibit absolutely or conditionally the use on lany| A>f heavy imotor. vehicles during any specified periods, but it is stipulated that this power must be used in a reasonable manner. No one will be permitted to operate a traction engine, or metal-tired heavy motor unless is obtained from the controlling authority. All heavy motor vehicles are classified according to the maximum load, and the Minister of Public Works (in respect of any Government road), the Main Highways Board (in respect to any main highway under its sontrol), and the local authority having control of any other road or main highway (in respect of such road) are empowered to classify the roads, according to their availability for use.

Maximum speeds ' arc also fixed. The limit in the case of heavy motor vehicles which are motor-cars, or motor-omnibuses, within the meaning of the Motor Vehicles Act. is 35 miles per hour. Where the maximum gross weight ranges from two to three tons the limit is progressively reduced as the maximum gross weight increases and is 20 miles per hour for vehicles in the six and a-half to fifteen tons classes. It is stipulated that these shall apply fto vehicles, all the tyres of which are pneumatic. The limit in the case of other heavy motor vehicles, all the tyres of whicfli are pneumatic, vary from 25 miles per hour for those in the 'two to four and a-half tons classes, to 15 miles per hour for those in the six and - a-half to 15 tons classes.

The limit in the case of heavy motor vehicles any type of which is solid rubber is 12; miles per hour and when any tyre is metal, the limit is X miles per hour. The maximum speed is reduced by 50 per cent., for vehicles which are unsprung.