BUS REGULATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19979, 22 December 1926, Page 10

BUS REGULATIONS.

ADDITIONS ISSUED. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING. (Special to Daily Times.) WELLINGTON, December 21. Additional regulations under the Motor Omnibus Tratiic Act of last session relating to the design, construction, and condition of buses were gazetted to-night. The underlying idea is the protection of the travelling public and the driver of the vehicle. All licensed buses are required to be fitted with at least two doorways, one of which may be reserved for use in emergency only. In such cases the doorway has to be fitted with a specially-prescribed emergency door kept iree from exterior obstruction, and a notice displayed indicating the means for opening it. At least once a week every door in the bus will J have to be opened and closed, and locks and other parts tested to ensure that the , doors and locks are maintained in good ; working order. Every doorway must be provided with a suitable non-slip treadplate, and a ready means of exit must be available for the driver, who is further protected by the provisions relating to seating accommodation, and the j furnishing of mirrors for viewing rear ; traffic, etc. Not more than 16 imperial | gallons of liquid fuel may be carried on any bus at one time, save with the consent of the inspecting engineer, to be given only in special circumstances and tor temporary purposes. No liquid fuel is to be carried, otherwise than in the permanent carrying tanks, which must be pioperiy constructed, and it must not be supplied to the bus while the engine is running. Each bus must be fitted with two efficient independent brakes, one at least of which must be operated by a pedal, and two suitable fire extinguishers. Other constructional requirements relate to protection from vibration, chains, breakage, oil, protection of other traffic, accumulation of benzine, steering and the provision of destination signs, reflector, spare wheel, tools, etc. If a bus owner desires to carry passengers ovei ; any route different from that which the bus was used at the time of its last ; inspection by the inspecting engineer, the 1 written approval of the inspecting engi- i neer must first be obtained, and no j alteration shall be made in the design or i construction of the bus—otherwise than | for fair maintenance requirement, —:ior ; shall any bulk equipment or fittings be I added without, the prior written approval j of the inspecting engineer. j On the presentation to the inspecting i engineer of a bus for inspection a cer- j tificate signed by the owner has to be j given with respect to any alterations ? made or proposed to be made in the route • since the last inspection, and also with ■ respect to any alterations in the brake, mechanism, or gear ratio —including particulars as to the size and nature of tyres,—and in the general condition ot the omnibus. If no such alterations have been made a certificate to the effect will be given. Special regulations are incor- 1 porated which are applicable only to j motor buses first licensed after August 1 | next. Those summarised above operate virtually from May 31 next. , The later regulations deal comprehen- j sively with doorways, seats, passage ways, j dimensions, body lighting, steps, miscel- j Janeous fittings and general chassis re- j quirements. That they have been framed : with a view to providing a I standard for the future construction of buses is indicated in the clause, j which reads; —“ Before any new • omnibus is licensed the inspecting | engineer shall be supplied before inspeo- j lion—and preferably before construction — with the maker’s specifications, and other data covering the design, strength, and weight of the chassis, gear ratios, revolu- i tions of engine when running at normal speed, and, when possible, steering mechanism. Similarly plans drawn to scale and specifications snail be supplied showing all important dimensions and covering the design, strength, and quality of materials for the body and fittings.” As a step fur ther in providing a safer and more comfortable mode of travel for the passengers, the regulations specify the maximum length of an omnibus, including fittings, attachments and load as 28ft, and the niaximum width at Bft. Special ventilation has to be supplied and for the protection of pedestrians from front collision, the bus will require to be fitted with a front protection guard. , The Minister of Public Works is invested with authority to grant exemption in special circumstances from the provisions of any of the regulations contained in the Gazette notice. The procedure is for the owner to apply to the inspecting engineer, stating the grounds on which exemption is sought, and if, in the opinion of the inspecting engineer, the grounds are frivolous, he may dismiss the application without reference to the Minister. Ihe financial circumstances of the owner will not constitute a ground for an exemption aP Oihcr l °Orders-in-Council issued to-night n moved the terms of the insurance policies— general indemnity anti separate indemnity—issued in terms of the Act, and the companies who will effect the policies.