30-MILE LIMIT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 33, 7 August 1936, Page 10

30-MILE LIMIT

LAW IN OPERATION

POLICE ON WATCH

"Any motorist who exceeds 30 miles an hour in town areas, from now on is risking a fine of £50," said the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, in an interview yesterday, "and it may be taken that every endeavour will be made to see that the law is complied with." Mr. Somple stated that the Royal assent had been given to the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 1936, which makes provision for this new uniform limit. "One immediate and important effect of the Act is that an,absolute maximum speed limit of 30 miles an hour is now in force in all cities, boroughs, and town districts," Mr. Semple said. "The police and local authorities are being approached for the purpose of ensuring that the law will be enforced immediately." The Minister said that on the other hand there was no ground for a motorist to assume that he might now drive at any speed up to 30 miles an hour in all conditions. The law as to reckless or negligent driving was still effective. , ; "When it is remembered that this speed restriction has been passed by Parliament solely for the purpose of reducing the risk of accident in close-ly-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 said that various other important matters covered by the" legislation would be the subject of regulations. These were now being drawn up and would-be first issued in draft form so as to give all those interested an opportunity to comment and to make suggestions.

"My immediate concern is the application of the 30-miles-an-hour limit," said the Minister, "and I again emphasise that this is now the law and will be enforced at once."