WHICH SIDE OF THE ROAD?

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7143, 14 February 1930, Page 9

WHICH SIDE OF THE ROAD?

Rural Mail Boxes

MATTER OP LIABILITY The. rapid development of the rural mail deliveries throughout the countryaide has brought with it a difficulty in regard to the location, of the mail boxes along the routes of ■ delivery. District county councils are now confronted with, the question of liability in the event of an accident arising - from the location of the boxes on the right side of the road, which necessitates the motor dolivery vehicle going on to the wrong side of the road. At yesterday’s meeting of the Oroua County Council the Postal Department’s attitude was made clear in a letter brought up by a councillor, which is quoted as follows: “The rural delivery to yeur box is now being performed, as you are doubtless aware, under contract. The contractor has drawn attention to the fact that your rural box is so placed that he has to dismount from his vehicle in order to deliver corespondence into it. This is contrary to the regulations, which provide that rural boxes must bo so placed that delivery can be made into them without the necessity for leaving the vehicle. The proper location is on the right side of the road as indicated from the vehicle’s direction of travel. The box should, be set on a post a few feet back from the edge of the road metal and the approach should be metalled so that ruts will not be worn by the car approaching the box to deliver and collect mail. I am instructed by the Chief Postmaster to request that your box be removed to comply with the regulations, as the contractor has just cause for complaint if he is held to the regulations and box-holders are exempted.” ' The loiter concluded with an instruction that unless the position of the box was altered delivery would cease. Cr. W. McLennan said he brought the matter up as ho was aware that other counties were confronted with the difficulty. There were the highway regulations as to traffic and he felt that the council could not commit itself to any direction as to the location of the boxes, in face of the risk of accident through the mail vehicle travelling on its wrong side. He was cut to assist the postal department in every way and along with Cr. Green, had been largely responsible for the introduction of the daily delivery in his district.

Cr. Green was afraid that the Postal Regulations as to rural boxes were framed years and years ago when there was no motor traffic. The position today was such that it was dangerous for any vehicle to travel on its wrong side.

Cr. McLennan thought that this was possibly so. He had brought the matter up as he felt that the position required clearing up. The Postal Regulation was in conflict with with the traffic regulations and there was . the question as to whose: responsibility it would be in the event of an accident.

Discussion terminated with the passing of the following resolution, which is to be sent to the Chief Postmaster at Palmerston North: “That .with reference to the request of the Chief Postmaster that certain ratepayers placerural delivery boxes on the right side, of the road, this council is of the opinion that this would cause the contractor to contravene traffic regulations and would bo against the interests of public safety.”