MOTOR REGULATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 71

MOTOR REGULATIONS.

NEW TRAFFIC PROVISIONS

WELLINGTON, March 1. The revised motor regulations were gazetted to-night. .In the section dealing with administration a new provision has been incorporated requiring all traffic inspectors under the regulations to hold drivers’ licenses. In regard to the lighting provisions dimming generally is to be forbidden after June 1 next,, but in well-lighted streets a driver may dim or use his sidelights. The attachment to a vehicle of up to two spotlights is now permitted, but with restrictions. Furthermore, the use of.a spotlight as a headlight except in cas c of accident is prohibited. Hie original proviso concerning the use of additional lights has been removed. An alteration has also been made to the clauses affecting lights on stationaryvehicles. The provisions are not to apply to vehicles on stands established by local bodies where a notice indicates that lighting may be dispensed with, or places which are adequately lighted. A complete alteration has been made in the definition of an “independent brake” in connection with the requirement that every motor vehicle other than a trailer or motor cycle, must be equipped with two independent brakes. An exception is made with respect to the vehicles now in New Zealand which are given until March 51 next to comply. It was proposed to have all motor vehicles equipped with “ deep toned ” (other than a siren or bell) warning devices. The descriptive adjective does not appear in the new set of regulations. The use of unpleasant sounding devices is prohibited. Except in case of emergency, warning devices are to be used for reasonable traffic needs only. . , - ■ The provisions relative to ready means of entrance to and. exit from vehicles are net to apply to prison vans.

The clauses dealing with towing have been redrafted and amended, 'rhe’ maximum length between the vehicles is increased to 22ft. Where the distance exceeds 12ft a conspicuous doth will have to be attached midway along the connecting rope and tho towed vehicle must still bo capable of being readily steered. At nighttime lights will also be required on the vehicle towed.

A new provision under the loading regulations is that motor vehicles or trailers, but not motor cycles must not be operated if the load is so arranged or of such a nature that the total overall length of the vehicle and load exceed 28ft. save in the case of a vehicle of the three axle typo, in which • case it shall not exceed Soft - or if the loud is* not either safely con-

tained within the body cf the vehicle, or else securely fastened, to the vehicle. The number of persons who may ride on a motor cycle is- restricted to two, and the complement of a motor cycle and sideear to four—-two on the machine and two in the chair. Pillion riders are required,-to ride astride, and riding on the tank is forbidden.

Alterations have been made also with respect to the draft regulations covering the rules-of-the-road section. Where the width of the road formation permits, drivers are required to keep to their left of the centre line; but where the speed is under 15 miles an hour (10 miles previously) drivers are to keep their vehicles as near as practicable to their left edge of the road, but clear of earthen watertables.

The requirement that a warning signal be sounded twice when a driver intends to turn to the left is deleted. Under the heading of conduct of motor vehicles on roads, it is now- provided that no driver shall cause his motor vehicle to travel backwards for a greater distance °r a longer time than is considered reasonable. Cars parked at authorised parking places are exempted from the clause prohibiting vehicles or their loads from overhanging the footpaths. The regulations dealing with speed have been considerably amended. No person shall drive any motor vehicle at such a speed that the vehicle cannot be brought to a standstill within half the length°of clear road which is visible to the driver immediately in front of the vehicle. Any person doing so may be charged under section 28 with the offence of driving a motor vehicle at a speed which, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, might be dangerous to the' public. The fact that such person drives such motor vehicle at a speed in excess of such one of the speeds set out in the table hereunder as may be applicable shall, until the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence that such person has committed the said offence. No set speed limit is laid down, but the exceeding of the speeds given in the appended table means that the driver runs the risk of prosecution for dangerous driving, and tne onus is on him to prove that tne speed was not dangerous in the circumstances.

/^i le 'Ti e - Tr a J J e speeds is as under: — (a) fhirty-five miles per hour in any case in which a lower speed is not set

(b) Twenty-five miles per hour at any place within the limits of any borough or town district where it is reasonable to sunpose that the driver of the motor vehicle knows himself to be within the limits of a borough or town district

. (e) 1< ifteen miles per hour—(l) when passing between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. a school to which any erected trafficsign relates; (2) when passing a hospital to which any erected traffic sign relates; (3). wnen approaching any intersection which is of such a nature that when the driver is 90ft away ho ha s not a clear and uninterrupted view cf such intersection, and of the traffic upon every road leading thereto for a distance of 90ft beyond such intersection; (2) when passJl i? portion of a road undergoing alteration in the opposite direction (d) Ten miles per hour— (1) when going through any tunnel; (2) when going round a curve o r corner of any road if the driver has not a clear view of the road in front of him for a distance of at least, in tho direction in which he is proceeding (during which time also adequate and repeated signals must be given by use oi tho warning instrument); (3) when passing any stationary, tram on its route making in tho same direction where a safety zone is interposed between the tram and the motor vehicle

Controlling authorities arc empowered to fix maximum speeds, but these are not to exceed such of those incorporated in the above table as may be applicable ».a the circumstances.

Provision is made for the use if desired of symbols in traffic signs. .The period during which local authorities may continue to maintain signs already erected which are not in accordance with the regulations as to colour and design is increased from two to five years. Dealing with the erection of signs, it is provided that .these shall be so erected as where practicable to be lighted by the headlights of approaching vehicles. Mutilation or damage of signs constitutes an offence.