DIMMING MADE COMPULSORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21379, 23 June 1939, Page 8

DIMMING MADE COMPULSORY

Amendments to Traffic

Regulations

Windscreens Must be Made Of Safety Glass

By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 22

Several important amendments to traffic regulations were announced today by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple. The new- regulations which were gazetted to-day, will become effective in 28 days’ time. They include:—

(1) Compulsory dipping of headlights which adversely affect the vision of other road users.

<2> The equipment of safety glass on windscreens.

<3> A maximum speed limit of 40 miles an hour on all motor vehicles carrying pillion riders.

(4> An increase in the maximum length of articulated multi-axled vehicles from 30ft. to 33ft.

Dippng of Headlights

-The dipping of headlights at night has previously been an act of courtesy.” said the Minister. “The great majority of motorists have been diligent in following this practice in the interests of safety. The enactment of the new regulation needs no justification from me. The measure has been introduced for those who disregard the safety of other users of the road at night. All motorists who drive at night know the danger and extreme discomfort of dazzling headlights. In some case*

faulty adjustment has been responsible, but in too many instances sheer indifference or lack of courtesy has given many needlessly anxious moments to other motorists. Night driving has been a peril instead of a pleasure Speed of Cycles “As a result of conferences held throughout the Dominion recently motor-cyclists expressed the almost unanimous opinion that in the interests of safety a speed limit was desirable on motor-cycles carrying pillion riders.” continued the Minister. “The Road Safety Council approved the recommendation of the clubs that a maximum speed limit of 40 miles an hour be introduced. This recommendation now has oeen embodied in the regulations and the speed limit will be enforceable in 28 days’ time.

“A further safety measure in the new regulations is the compulsory fitting of windscreens constructed of safety glass. Safety glass windscreens will require to be fitted to all motor vehicles first registered in New Zealand on or after Decemoer 1, 1939, and to all motor vehicles whenever registered if. after September 1, 1939. the windscreen is replaced.”