The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER, 10, 1932. SPEED OF VEHICLES.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER, 10, 1932. SPEED OF VEHICLES.

iSome allegations being considered necessary in the regulations of the speed of vehicles, amended proposals have been sent to local bodies by the Transport Department for perusal and comment before they are embodied in revised requirements. There is no absolute maximum speed limit for motor vehicles' under the present regulations, but it is proposed that the maximum speed shall he 40 miles an hour for all vehicles. The maximum speed for private motor-cais would thus be reduced, but commercial vehicles of a gross weight of two tons and over would not be affected, as they are already subject to the requirement. It is pointed out that high speeds for motor vehicles mer.n : .._(!) High Road Maintenance Costs. —As the amount of money available for this p’-rpose has been seriously curtailed, it is tn he expected that under big i speeds the gravel and metal road surfaces will deter orate, with the result that speeds will, of necessity, have to he reduced, and

owing to rougher road surfaces, motor-, vehicle operating costs will be increased. (2.) Decreased Danger on Hoads. —The rural roads cf this countery are in general unsuitable for high speeds as regards surface, alignment, and width. After an investigation as to the causes of road accidents 'in California, it was asserted that speeds in excess of the State allowable maximum: of 40 miles per hour are always dangerous. (3.) Increased Vehicle Operating Costs.—An increase of the speed of the ave.age private car from 30 miles per hour to 55 mibs per hour results in an increase in the cost per mile of petrol and lubricating oil by 70 per cent., while the. tire and repair costs are A?so materially increased. In the course of a statement by the Commissioner he says the only valid renron against speed restrictions is that theV mean increased travelling time, and it should he remembered that nil service cars, motor omnibuses, and goods vehicles over two tons gross weight, where the time factor is of importance, would not. be affected by the proposed amendment, as they are already subject to speed reside* t.ions. The maximum speed for the lightest passenger service is 35 miles per hour.'. Of the total mileage run by privnte cars and light trucks, approximately 37 per cent, is run within boroughs and town .districts where, in most oases, speeds are < already restricted to 25 miles per hour, and. therefore,;, approximately 63 per cent, of the mileage is- run on rural roads. On these roads, it is estimated that at least, -25 per cent. of. the mileage run would have to be travelled at restricted speeds, owing to road conditions, leaving only. 47 neo- cent, of the total annual mileage run by these vehicles where the proposed speed restrictions would '.apply. On nil assumed annual mileage of 5000 miles, the' extra time involved in travelling due to the proposed amendment would amount to only eight hours in twelve months. Important proposals • are made concerning vehicle brakes anc! the rules of the road. At present a driver must be able when travelling at 20 miles an hour to bring his velhicle tp rest within 50ft. by using the foot brake, and within 70ffc. bv using the hand brake. It is proposed that these distances should be decreased to ? r and 60ft. respectively. The proposals do rot give, the'special concessions to goods vehicles over three tors weight given in the present regulations.