SIGN POSTS ON ROADS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 77, 14 March 1935, Page 9

SIGN POSTS ON ROADS

Magistrate's Ruling Cause* Concern TRAFFIC RULE ON HILLS Some time ago, Mr T. E. Maun sell, S.M., was reported to have given the opinion that road sign* had no place in law. The Automobile Association (Hawke’s Bay) considered this matter yesterday, aud resolved to make representations to the North Island Alotor Union. Alembers agreed that it seemed strange to hear the Magistrate say that, when the Alain Highway* Board subsidised sign-posting. The secretary of the Nelson association wiied as follows; Would you kindly advise urgently if practice downlull traffic giving way to uphill still observed in your district. If «o, whether observed willingly and generally and operating satisfactorily. Are roads signposted accordingly ? The secretary of the Hawke’s Bay association replied that the rule wa* observed, and the roads sign-posted. It wa* strange that while Mr Alaunsell contended that road signs had no place in law, the Main Highways Board paid a subsidy on sign-posting. It was resolved to make representations to the North Island Motor Union, the chairman (.Mr J. 11. Edmundson) moving as follow*; This association notes with regret the remarks of the Magistrate, especially as the notices tend to define the responsibility ot traffic on hills. It is admitted that ears going downhill are harder to stop than those going in the reverse direc- . tion This being so and the obligation for special care being placed upon the motorist driving down-hill, he must of necessity hold the car well in hand, thereby contributing very largely to the safety of all concerned. “Observation of this rule has been a definite protection, but unfortunately the Magistrate lias seen fit to bring uncertainty to the minds of people,” addl’d the chairman. Capt. L. Forde seconded the motion. He said it teemed to him absolutely wrong that the Magistrate in question should belittle what automobile associations had taken years to bring about. The secretary, Air R. M. Chadwick, said it seemed as though the law lagged behind the needs of the motorist. The motion was earned. By a coincidence a letter was received from the Wairoa Chamber of Commerce. The writer said it was the desire of the chamber to thank the association fur having direction posts erected on the road from the Opoatama township to the Mahia.