SPEED ON THE ROADS

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 701, 3 March 1933, Page 4

SPEED ON THE ROADS

Important Amendment to Law. NO VARYING LIMITS. ("Star” Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, March 3. A speed limit of forty miles an hour has been imposed on gravel roads throughout New Zealand, according to a Gazette notice. This action has been taken to prevent varying limits being imposed by counties. There will be no speed limits on dustless roads, and the whole question of speed limits will be reviewed at a conference to be held in the near future.

The new regulations, which are under the Motor Vehicles Act, replacing those gazetted in March, 1925, contain certain amendments of interest. These regulations make provision for motor traffic in general and contain standards for speed, braking, rules of the road, equipment and lighting. The chief question of interest is that relating to speed limits. Considerable controversy resulted from the suggestion that a maximum speed limit of forty miles an hour should apply throughout the whole Dominion, and the case for and against the proposal has already been freely ventilated. When interviewed last evening, Mr Coates said: “The Government has given very careful consideration to this question, and, in view of the opposition to a general speed limit, it was decided to leave the existing provisions to apply to all dustless, surfaced roads, blit to impose a forty-mile limit on gravel roads. It is recognised that motorists are entitled to a reasonable use of our roading system, and this view will not be departed from. The law at present provides certain safeguards and legislates against reckless driving, but the destructive factor of excessive speed on metal or gravel roads cannot be overlooked at a time when it is necessary to reduce road maintenance costs to a minimum. This phase of the question is forced into prominence by the necessity to again call upon the Highways Fund to assist general revenue. This year the position will be more difficult because of the fact that last the Highways Board commenced its financial year with a balance of £400,000, whilst this year the balance will be approximately only £IOO,OOO. Therefore, it is desirable and indeed necessary that all reasonable precautions should be taken to conserve the existing road surfaces. Rights of Motorists.

“ Personally I agree with the view expressed by the motorists, but at the present time it is possible for local authorities to introduce by-laws imposing certain speed limits. There is a tendency on their part to bring into effect by-laws which lack uniformity, and with the desire to overcome an anomalous and objectionable position thus arising from varying speed limits in neighbouring counties, the Government considers that a speed regulation of general application would be preferable. I reiterate that, in my opinion, motorists are entitled to reasonable use of our roading system, and before steps are taken to enforce the regulation relating to speed limits I propose to invite the co-operation of interested bodies by meeting them in conference at an early date in order to further discuss the question.” The original regulations provided that no person should operate a motor vehicle not equipped with a fixed red reflector, but this requirement has been omitted in the new regulation.