The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1931. TRANSPORT REGULATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1931. TRANSPORT REGULATIONS.

Proposed 'alterations in the heavy traffic regulations, have recently been referred by the Transport Department to local bodies for their advioe and comment. In this connection, the Hon. W. A. Veitch has announced that a conference would be held shortly at Wellington when consideration would be given to the draft regulations and suggested amendments. Mr Veitch said the Heavy Lorry Regulations were first issued in 1925, and were formulated to empower road controlling autnorities to adequately protect roads from heavy traffic by way of heavy traffic fees, speed and weight restrictions, etc, Every opportunity had been taken to bring about a wider observance of these regulations, but it was not likely that any action would be taken by the Transport Department which would have the effect of materially increasing transport costs. Much still remains to he done, however, and it is interesting to note that some of those authorities that; are loudest in their criticism of suggested changes in the "regulations are doing little or nothing to enforce necessary restrictions under the existing regulations, which protect their own ratepayers. It became desirable, in view of the development that has taken place in road standards, and the design of all kinds of motor vehicles and tires, to consider bringing the regulations up-to-date, and authority was given hv the Government, following its usual policy of consultation before finally adopting changes in such regulations, for the suggested alterations to he included in draft form and submitted for constructive advice and comment from

those mostly concerned. Unfortunately,, the Government’s effort at harmonious consultation lias not been universally accepted in that spirit. Although very constructive criticism has been obtained from many quarters, in some cases the proposals have been opposed on the ground of additional expense,, while the economies which far out weigh the cost under the regulations have been ignored. In connection with tlie proposal to increase speed limits in respect of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires, investigations have been carried out by fully-qualified engineers, and obviously alterations in speeds would not have been suggested for the modern vehicle unless the data available clearly indicated that the ultimate cost of road maintenance and transport generally would not be increased. In addition to the consideration given to these questions by the Transport Department, arrangements have been made with the Counties’ Association ancl others to hold a conference dn Wellington to consider the draft regulations and all the suggested amendments. This conference, which is being convened by the department, will include representatives of local bodies, road users, and motor interests, as well as an executive committee specially set up by the Now Zealand Society of Civil Engineers to investgato rural ronding in the Dorm inion. Adequate opportunity will there, fore be given for those who have made representations to have their views thoroughly considered by engineering and other experts; the result of the deliberations will then be available to the Government before the' regulations are finally agreed to. It was intended to hold this conference during the present month, but advice lias been received by the departrnant indicating that some recently obtained data lias been forwarded, which may have an important bearing on the regulations. It has heen decided, therefore, to await this data, which should come to hand early in September, before convening the conference.