30 MILES AN HOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 186, 7 August 1936, Page 8

30 MILES AN HOUR

REGULATIONS NOW LAW SPEED LIMIT IN CITIES IMMEDIATE ENFORCEMENT [ Por Press Association. I WELLINGTON, Aug. 6. The Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, announced to-day that the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 1936, has been assented to by His Excellency and is now law. “One immediate and important effect,” said the Minister, *is that the absolute maximum speed limit of 30 miles an hour is now in force in all cities, boroughs and town districts. The police and local authorities are being approached for the purpose of ensuring that the law will be enforced immediately. “Any motorist who exceeds 30 miles per hour in town areas from now on, ’ Mr. Semple continued, “is risking a fine of £5O. It may be taken that every endeavour will be made to see , that the law is complied with.” The Minister proceeded to emphasise that, on the other hand, there is no ground for the motorist to assume' that he may now drive at any speed up to 30 miles per hour in all conditions. The law as to reckless or negligent driving is still erfective. “When it is remembered that this speed registration has been passed by Parliament, solely for the purpose of t educing the risk of accident in closely-populated areas,” said Mr. Semple, “I feel sure that I may rely on the full co-operation of the large majority of motorists in this measure.” The Minister explained that various other important matters covered by legislation would be the subject of regulations. These regulations, said Mr. Semple, are now being drawn up and will be first issued in draft form to give all those interested an opportunity to comment and make suggestions concerning them. “My immediate concern,” the Minister concluded, “is the application of the 30-miles-per-hour limit, and I again stress that this is now law and will be enforced at once.”