OFF-SIDE RULE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 507, 9 November 1928, Page 16

OFF-SIDE RULE

TRAMS TO BE EXEMPT DRIVERS’ DISCRETION Last evening the City Council decided to take steps to exempt tramcars from the city by-laws requiring all street traffic to observe the offside rule by which drivers are required to give way to vehicles on their right. The chief traffic inspector, Mr. G. R. Hogan, pointed out to the council that there had been numerous complaints that tram drivers did not observe the rule, though the city bylaw applied to them. jk The opinion of the city solicitor'was sought, and he pointed out that the new motor regulations did not apply to trams, which were given free passage, so that the by-laws and the regulations were in direct conflict. The council was recommended to amend the by-law, and leave the tram drivers to do as they saw fit. “The position seems to be perfectly wrong,” said Cr. L. A. Eadv. “The regulations should be revised so that the Dominion may be unified. The position is illogical as it stands.” ”As far as our trams are 'concerned, instructions have been issued that trams are to obey the off-side rule as far as it is possible in difficult circumstances,” said Cr. J. A. C. Allum, chairman of the Tramways Committee.

The recommendation was adopted.