HEAVY TRAFFIC

Grey River Argus, 27 April 1932, Page 6

HEAVY TRAFFIC

LOCAL BODY DELEGATES. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The annual conference of delegates from all local bodies in the No. 12 Highway District was held yesterday in connection with the heavy motor vehicle regulations, there being pre sent: Messrs J. Ryall (Chairman) and M. Keating (Grey County Conn cil), F. Ar Kitchingham and F. 11. Denton (Greymouth Borough .Council), D. J. Evans, J. Peake (Westland County Council), H. G. F. Coles (Hokitika Borough Council), J. Saneaton and Stevenson (Brunner Borough Council), F. L. Turley (Cobden Town Board), A. B. Spiers and. G. Pamment (Kumara Borough Council), J. IL Price and Miss B. Richmond (Runanga Borough Council). Apologies were received from Messrs C. Schadick (Buller County' Council), W'. Taylor (West port Borough Council), and J. B. Auld (Inangahua County .Council). The Chairman referred to the deaths recently oT Mr J. Mullan, County Clerk, Westport, and Inspector A. J. Sloss, both of whom had been associated with the conference since ifis inception in 1926. It was resolved that i letters of sympathy be sent to the relatives of the deceased gentlemen.

The County Clerk, Mr M. Keating submitted the following report, which was read and adopted:— I beg to report that for the year ending March 31, 1932, the Heavy Traffic License fees collected in the No. 12 Highway District amounted to the sum of £3198 17s 7d, as follows: Buller district £1305, Inangahua £212 9s lid, Westland £445 7s lOd, Kumara £ll 4s 6d, £llsB 15s 4d. Several districts show a reduction from previous years, this being solely due to the slump in the timber industry in which most of the heavy vehicles are engaged. Several owners are in arrears with their fees and these have been handed to the solicitor for further action. Transport Act.—The regulations made under the Transport Act are now in force and vehicles engaged in the passenger traffic must first obtain a license to operate from the Transport Board. The heavy traffic fees are in no way altered, and are still payable to local authorities. Heavy Vehicle Regulations, 1932. — The New and Consolidating Regulations of 1932, dealing with the use of Heavy Motor Vehicles, have now been issued and will come into force on the Ist June next. The regulations have been revised and altered in many cases —the principal alteration dealing with weight and speeds of vehicles. The weight limit for four wheel lorries is now limited to 8 tons, whilst multi-axled vehicles are limited to 12 tons. Speed limits have also been reduced. Indication Discs. —Under the new regulations, every vehicle must now obtain an indication disc showing the class, viz., A.D. or L., as the case may be, under which the vehicle is licensed. The new indication disc must b e affixed alongside the registered No. plate of the lorry. The plates have been ordered and will be supplied at a cost of Is 6d. Road Classification. —It will also be necessary for each Local Authority to obtain and erect road classification signs to indicate the classification of each road under its jurisdiction. Traffic Inspector. —I regret to have to report the death of Mr A. Sloss, who has filled the position of Traffic Inspector in this district since the inception of the Heavy Traffic Regulations in 1926. The late Mr Sloss had a most difficult task to perform, and he not only succeeded in carrying out his duties with a minimum of friction, but also in a thoroughly capable and conscientious manner. As one who was closely associated with the late Inspector, I desire to place on record my appreciation of his valuable services. Mr A. E. Sloss has been temporarily appointed to carry out the duties of Inspector in the meantime, and in view of the fact that he has a good knowledge of the Regulations, I would recommend that he be given a temporary appointment until such time as the new regulations are in full working order-

Mr A. E. Sloss was appointed Traf fie Inspector for six months. It was resolved that the allocations be the same this year as last, and that the Grey County be the controlling authority. Mr Spiers drew members ’ attention to the danger to motorists of wandering cattle on the Main Highways. He referred particularly to the Kumara straight. It was resolved that the Highways Board be asked to take action against the owners of all wandering cattle on the Main flighway and that all County “Councils in the No. 12 District be made acquainted with the feeling of the conference in the matter.