MOTOR REGULATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21280, 6 September 1932, Page 8

MOTOR REGULATIONS

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS RESTRICTION OF SPEEDS FORTY MILES MAXIMUM BRAKES AND RULES OF ROAD Details of proposed amendments to the motor-vehicle regulations were received by the Onelninga Borough Council last evening from the Commissioner of Transport. The principal proposals concern brakes, rules of the road, speed and increased danger on the roads. The regulations at present provide that brakes should be capable of bringing a vehicle to rest within 50 feet, with the foot brakes, or 75 feet with the emergency brake, when travelling at 20 miles an hour. In view, however, of the large number of motor accidents and the fact that four-wheeled brakes are standard equipment, it is considered that the brake requirements should be more rigid and the stopping distances have, therefore, been reduced to 40 feet for the foot brake and 60 feet for tho hand brake. This proposal does not give the special concession to goods vehicles over three tons gross weight, given in the present regulations. Passing Other Vehicles

As the existing regulations regarding the overtaking and passing of motor vehicles at corners are deemed of little practical assistance to motorists, a new rule is proposed providing that no motorist shall overtake or attempt to pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction at, or within 150 feet of any corner, unless he has a clear view of the road for a distance of 300 feet. Under the existing regulation, there is no absolute maximum spead limit for motor vehicles, and the amendment provides that the maximum speed for any motor vehicle shall be 40 miles an hour. It is explained that the effect of this would be that the maximum speed of the private car would be reduced, but tho restriction would not affect commercial vehicles of a gross weight of two tons and over, as these vehicles are already subject to restriction. It is pointed out that high speeds for motor vehicles mean high road maintenance costs, and as the amount of money available for this purpose has been seriously curtailed, it is to be expected that under high speeds, the gravel and road surfaces will deteriorate, with the result that speeds will of necessity have to be reduced. Owing to rougher road surfaces, the operating costs of motor vehicles will be increased. Speed and Costs It is contended that the increase of the speed of the average private car from 30 to 55 miles an hour, results in an increase in the cost a mile of petrol and lubricating oil by 70 per cent, while the tyre and repair costs are also materially increased. "The only valid reason against speed restrictions is that they mean increased travelling time, but all service cars, motor-omnibuses and goods vehicles over two tons gross weight, where the time factor is of importance, would not be affected by the proposed amendment as they are already subject to speed restrictions," slates the commissioner. "The maximum speed for the lightest passengerservice vehicle is 35 miles an hour. Local authorities are given to the end of September to submit their views on the proposed amendments.