THE SPEED OF BUSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20725, 19 November 1930, Page 12

THE SPEED OF BUSES.

GREAT SOUTH ROAD ROUTE.

MANUKAU COUNTY LIMIT. SEVENTEEN MILES "A JOKE." "If the present sped limit of 17 miles an hour was adhered to, the road service would lie killed," said Mr. F. M. Waters at the meeting of the Manukau County Council yesterday, when a letter was received from Mr. \V. J. Wheeler asking that an average speed of 20 miles an hour over the whole distance, from Auckland to Papakura should be allowed for iiis passenger buses. At tho present time, the limit on the council's roads is 17 miles an hour, hut on parts of the route under the jurisdiction of other local bodies, the limits range up to 25 miles an hour. '"The thing is like a huge joke to me," said Mr. Waters. "Everyone knows the buses are travelling daily at speeds up to 25 miles an hour or over. They are giving a good service, and if the limit of 17 miles is adhered to the service would be killed. These speeds have been followed for years, ever since the concrete roads were put down. It is just a question of straightening out the present confused position." Mr. S. Rickards said he could see no reason for a change in the limit. The engineer, Mr. J. R. Tage, had gone fully into the question and had suggested the limit of 17 miles an hour. Even if the council had allowed the buses to travel at a speed a few* miles over the limit, it had always held a power over the company, which would be destroved if the limit was made too high. Replying to a question from Mr. Rickards, Mr. Page said the destructive force of heavy vehicles increased at a high ratio as the speeds increased. Mr. S. W. House then moved that the limit be fixed at 20 miles an hour. When Mr. Rickards had moved an amendment that no increase should be made, it was ruled that Mr. House's proposal would have to be in the form of a notice of motion. A suggestion to suspend the Standing Orders to allow further discussion was lost and Mr. House's notico of motion was accepted.