RULE OF THE ROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16344, 26 September 1916, Page 6

RULE OF THE ROAD.

CUSTOM AS AGAINST LAW. [Ny telegraph.—own correspondent.] THAMES, Monday. ■ The Magistrate's Court was occupied I for two days with a case of some j local importance, relating to the rule of 'driving on the Coast Road. The proceedings arose from a collision between a motor-car and horse and gig, action being : taken by the police against the driver of ! the car for negligent driving. The eviUlenco was "Of a somewhat conflicting I nature as to how the collision happened, 'but it was made clear that it was caused through both drivers electing to take the | inside of the road, which was the correct I side for the motor-car by the general rule of the road, but not by the custom which generally prevails on this road, for motorcars to take the outside of the road and give horse-drawn vehicles the inside for the sake of safety. This custom was endorsed by the local body passing a by-law making it the rule of that particular road, i and this continued in force until a few months ago, when it was rescinded, as it clashed with the rule of the road as set out by Act of Parliament. But the .custom has been generally continued by I all drivers on the Coast Road, i The magistrate. Mr Burgess, in deliver- ' ing judgment referred to the conflicting nature of the evidence, but imposed a fine of £1 and costs.