WARNING DEVICES

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 247, 20 October 1942, Page 5

WARNING DEVICES

DOUBLE-TONE HORNS. USE ON M OTOR - VEHICLES . A suggestion that regulations be introduced prohibiting the use of double-tone horns on all motor vehicles with the exception of fireengines is to be made ,to the National Service Department by the Wanga- j nui Emergency Precautions Central Committee. The decision followed a report from the superintendent of the Wanganui Fire Brigade, Mr N. M. Ross, who stated that the use of double-tone horns for brigade purposes as a substitute for sirens was unsatisfactory. Many motor vehicles were fitted with horns of a similar type and fire-engines were not given the right-of-way. Because sirens were mistaken for E.P.S. alarm signals, fire brigades in different parts of New Zealand were required to introduce double-tone horns or bells. When sirens were used the streets were soon cleared, said Mr Ross, but the brigade's progress was now definitely retarded. On one occasion a motorist, by way of a joke, drove past the central fire station with his double-tone horn sounding continuously . It was stated that if slight adjustments were made on private vehicles the suggested change would not involve motorists in expense, \k