New Fire Brigade Regulations Explained

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7269, 23 September 1933, Page 6

New Fire Brigade Regulations Explained

AMENDMENTS REGARDING SPEED AND TBAFFIC MATTERS.

According to the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Regulations which were announced yesterday morning, fire , engines responding to alarms have been exempted from compliance with speed limits. The recently gazetted regulations also make provision to exclude fife engines from the observance of traffic domes or road markings for the direction of traffic. Another amendment makes it clear that a fire engine has the right of way at all road intersections. Authority is given for larger red lights to be carried by brigade vehicles proceeding to the scene of an alarm. Public Should Help Brigade.

When the now regulations were referred to Mr. W. F. Barnard, superintendent of the Palmerston North Fire Brigade, he had little to say about the matter except to point out that the public should realise its responsibility and help the brigade at all times. Motorists could greatly assist by observing the regulations and pulling into the side of a street when the siren is heard and, if necessary, stopping the engine of their car. Members of the public were naturally anxious to soc in which direction the fire-fighters were proceeding, but there was no necessity to go out on to the roadway for this purpose. The fire engine whenever possible kept to the centre of the street and the men desired to get to the fire with the least possible delay or hindrance. . Caution was always exercised by the drivers proceeding to and from fires. Mr. Barnard explained that the larger red light regulation was more for the benofit of brigades in the main centre, where tho light, high up on the engine, served as an extra warning.