TRAFFIC CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1930, Page 2

TRAFFIC CONTROL

NEW REGULATIONS. BRITISH POLICE READY, (Official Wireless). RUGBY, December 29. The provisions of the new lload Traffic Act, abolishing the speed limit and establishing compulsory third-par-ty insurance, come into force on Thurs-day-next. To deal with-offences such as dangerous- driving and neglect of signals, a special foi'ce of police mounted on. motor-cycles and fast cars,- is being organised. One thousand patrols are -expected to be in service by January 1, and about three hundred will be on the roads in the London district tomorrow. Fundamental changes in the traffic laws oh Britain are made- in the Road Traffic Act. The main provisions are Compulsory third party ■ risk insurance. Abolition of the speed-limit for private cars. ... Speed limit of thirty miles .per hour for motor coaches and of twenty miles per hour for goods vehicles ‘with pneumatic tyres. Heavier penalties for dangerous driving. Compulsory declaration as to physical fitness for- every driver. Minimum age limit of drivers of motor-cycles raised tb sixteen, and of heavy vehicle drivers to twenty-one. Creation of a new offence to be termed “careless driving.” , .... (A - • - • Restriction of duty hours for heavj vehicle drivers. • ..... . • - Regulation of public service vehicles by bodies of three Commissioners in each of the twelve areas into which Great Britain is to be divided. Pillion-riding restricted to one passenger who must sit astride on a proper seat. Penalties prescribed by the Act include the following maxima:— Reckless or Dangerous Driving: First conviction, three months’ .imprisonment, or £SO fine • second - or subsequent conviction on indictment, imprisonment up to six* months or a fine or both imprisonment arid' fine.' The Court may also' order disqualification from holding a license. Careless Driving: No, disqualification from holding a license. Exceeding Speed-limit: No disqualification on first or second conviction. Motor Racing or Speed Trials: Three months imprisonment, of £SO, or both, Driving while Under the Influence of Drink or Drugs: Four months’ imprisonment, or £SO,- or both, and minimum of twelve months’ disqualification. ' " '• Failing ,to Produce a License: £•?.. Improperly Obtaining License! Six months’ lifliiprisbhffient, *tm i;'.#?,; both. Aiding and Abetting- Offences-against Speed Limits: Three months’ imprisonment, or £SO, or both. .