MOTORISTS’ RIGHTS

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1936, Page 6

MOTORISTS’ RIGHTS

Main and Side Roads POSITION NOT YET CLEAR (Per Press 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 ata 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 mam and side road is thrown on the side road user!’’ Mr Rout said that -there was u 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 sentto the South Island Motor Union recommending that legal advice be obtained on the matter.