The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 13th, 1925.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 13th, 1925.

MOTOR LORRY TRAFFIC. A subsobiber Jins suggested that further particulars might be given of the motor Icrry regulations as proposed, in order to afford a wider idea than is prevalent of the proposed governing rules. As the matter is certainly of interest where motor traffic- is now so much in vogue, we comply with the request. A ‘‘motor lorry” is defined ns any motor vehicle (and includes a trac-tion-engine) used for hire or commercial purposes in the carriage of passengers or goods, and which with its maximum load exceeds two tons weight. It will be seen this is an embracing definition including the one-tun truck. Motor lorries are divided into ten classes, according to weight carried. There are 2 tons to 2£ tons; 2} tons to 3 tons; 3 tons to 3} tans; 3} tons to 4 tons; 4 tons to 5 tons; a tons to 6 tons; 6 tons to 7 tons; 7 tons to 8 tons; 8 tons to 9 tons; 9 tons to 10 tons. The greatest load permitted is 6 tons, or with vehicle and load combined, 10 tops. Ten tops js the maximum’ weight

«f lorry and load combined which may he carried. The minimum width of tyro on any lorry shall ho 3 inches. Tin maximum speed at which lorries may he driven is scheduled as follows: I p to 21 tons, 20 miles per hour; up to 3J tons, 18 miles per hour; up to 5 tons, 10 miles per hour; up to 7 tons, 14 miles per hour; up to 9 tons, 12 miles per hour; up to 10 tons, 12 miles per hour. There arc conditions governing the height and width of lords, and among the equipment required is a reflector situated on one side of tho lorry, so arranged as to enable tho driver to observe overtaking traffic. Local bodies may classify roads into four classes thus: A. available for any motor lorry; B. limited to 8 ton traffic; C. limited to 4 ton traffic; D. limited to 2f ton traffic. Tho annual license fees are divided into two sections. Tlie first governs motor lorries engaged for the carriage of goods, according to weight, tints: £ Up to 2J tons G Up to 3 tons 9 Up to 3J tons 12 Up to 4 tons 18 Up to 5 tons 24 Up to 6 tons 30 Up to 7 tons 30 Up to 8 tons 18 Up to 9 tons 57 Up to 10 tons 75 For lorries used for passengers:-- £ Up to 7 passengers 12 Up to 10 passengers 21 Up to 15 passengers 3G Up to 20 passengers 48 Up to 30 passengers GO More than 30 passengers ... 75

The driver is deemed a passenger, and 15 passengers are deemed to weigh one ton. Where a lorry is engaged in carrying goods and passengers, the fee payable shall l.e the larger fee under the above scales. The fee for a motor lorry with pneumatic tiros shall he 15% off the scale; the fee for a motor lorry fitted with metal tiros shall he 25 per cent above the class scale. The heavy traffic licensee fee paid under the regulations shall bo the only heavy traffic fee, and any current license under local body by-law may remain good up to the end of the year. All licenses shall be annual, terminating on the 31st. March in each ear. A proportionate part shall he collected only for the broken term in which a vehicle may become liable to bo licensed. Application for licenses is to bo made to the local body, which, when issuing a license, shall supply an indication disc indicating particulars of the license. Licenses must l>e produceu by the driver of the motor lorry on demand, and failure to obtain a license is an offence Provision is made to refund the proportionate part of a license if a motor vehicle is lost or destroyed. There arc various provisions ns to penalties etc., and for enforcing the regulations, while the fees as collected are pooled by the local authorities in the district, and apportioned among those concerned in such a way as may he agreed,' failing which the Magistrate may he called o: to adjudicate.