SPEED LIMITS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22585, 25 November 1936, Page 15

SPEED LIMITS

OVER 30 IN AUCKLAND POLICY OF DEPARTMENT "At the Minister's direction, special attention has been given to the by-laws fixing speed limits, and an examination of the position in the Auckland district indicates that there are over 'SO differing speed limits for the area surrounding Auckland, inclusive of Auckland City," stated a communication from the Transport Department received at a meeting of the Mount Eden Borough Council last night. "It is considered practically impossible for motorists to he aware of all those local speed limits, and doubtless no attempt is made to enforce the majority of them. The aim of the Government is that the motor laws should be simplified and reduced to the most important requirements, but that energetic action should be taken to have those requirements strictly enforced.

"So far as speeds are concerned, the .Minister directs that in Jiis view the following provisions should apply:—(l) Reckless or negligent driving; (2) rareless or inconsiderate driving; (•'s) JSO miles an hour maximum in hiiilt-np areas; (4) speed such that the motorist is able to stop in half the distance of clear road ahead. The first three of the a hove provisions are statutory. The fourth is already contained in regulation 15 (I) of the niotoi-\ chicle regulations and it is intended that its effect will he retained in the proposed new traffic regulations. "The Minister has power under section 11 of the .Motor-vehicles Amendment Act, 19.%, to disallow wholly or in part any local by-law relating to traffic, and the Minister would he pleased to learn the views of your council on the proposal to disallow the speed limits for vehicles operative under its by-laws. It is recognised that there may be some rare localities where a by-law speed limit is essential for such purposes as protection of a bridge, and if your council considers that tliere are such localities in your district the Minister will he pleased to consider any representations." The matter was referred to the traflic inspector.