THE ABSURDITY OF NEW MOTOR REGULATIONS

Shannon News, 13 December 1927, Page 4

THE ABSURDITY OF NEW MOTOR REGULATIONS

Criticism Ventilated By City Council SEVERAL CLAUSES DELETED The proposed new motor regulations issued a month ago by the Public Works Department, together with a memorandum of suggestions made by the Wellington City solicitor in eonjunction' with the Chief traffic Inspector, came before the Wellington City Council «t a special meeting held last week. The Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) formally introduced the regulations, with the city solicitor's observations thereon, and moved their adoption.

Councillor E. McKean declared that there were certain clauses in the regulations which the council should not approve. One, he stated, provided that cars with a left-hand drive should be prohibited from coming into the country. There were certain cars being driven with a left-hand drive, certainly many of a certain make, and if they were not considered a danger ho did not see how thoy could reason-, ably object to such cars. The Mayor explained that the clause did not affect cars already in the country. The regulation applied only to ears imported after a certain date. He thought there was good reason for it, as it fittted in with our rule of the road and indicated how awkward it was .for a driver with a left-hand drive having to make a turn across a road to the right to give the signal. That vras the only objection. He had driven a left-hand car for some years, and whilst it was a little awkwrcl at times in the city, it was an advantage in the country, as when going along a narrow road o n his correct side (the loft) he was better able to see how near he was to the edge.

Councillor McKean: There the Tight-hand drive would be a disadvantage.

"Utterly Absurd!"

Councillor T. C. A. Hislop said he did not altogether know the object of bringing down these regulations and rushing them through. "In. the cursory glance I have had time to make," remarked Comidillor Hislop. I have found a great many restrictions on motorists, showing that whoever drew

thent up had no real practical knowledge of driving a car. Many of the Clauses are utterly absurd!"

Councillor Mitchell: Yes, if you take one hand off tho wheel you are to be lined!

Councillor Hislop: Take Regulation 2 (really a suggestion from the city solicitor). This says: "It might be advisable to give police constables ,and inspectors power to enter upon private property to inspect vehicles and to check payment of fees." Surely wo are not going to allow the police and inspectors to enter upon private property on o purely civil matter. I think it was 4 00 years ago when somoonfc said that an Englishman's home was his castle. I object to such a clause, and hope it is not going forward. Again Regulation 3 provides for a white light at the rear of all motor vehicles. We already have a rear light, and a reflector; now they want a third —a white light. That, perhaps, is not so bad as having policemen and inspectors running about one 's premises. Tho Mayor pointed out that it wad not compulsory—it Avas only suggested as lawful to have a white rear light.

Putting on the Brake. Councillor Hislop continued by drawing attention to clause 8 of Begulation i (city solicitor's proposals), which said: "There should be no 'difference between the stopping abilities with hand brake, and foot brake." He pointed out that it was absurd to provide that there should be no difference in stopping power between a hand and foot brake. 'The Mayor said the words used were "stopping ability." Councillor Hislop: "It's the same thing. The Mayor: No, it means the distance over which a oar may be stopped —not the power. Councillor Hislop: It practically says there shouid be no difference between a hand and a foot brake. A Ridiculous Document. Councillor G-. Mitchell: This regulation about traffic inspectors and the .police is absurd and ridiculous. We would have to increase the staff to do the work. Councillor R. Scmple: I object to being rushed. In my brief examination of the regulations I have found' it to be a ridiculous document. We all know that we have to have certain.

regulations to safeguard the public, but these go from the- sublime to the ridiculous. The man who drew them

knew more about a wheel-barrow than a motor-car. (Laughter). Councillor Mitchell: A perambulator.

Continuing, Councillor Semple said oven the school children were laughing and joking over them. "For in- 1 1 stance, in going around a corner you mUst put one hand out to signal, yet the regulations say you will be fined if you take one hand from the steering wheel. It would be best to take ai boot off to give an effective signal with the foot. (Laughter). It seems that these regulations were only de signed to bring about ridicule and satire —only fit for u' joke in the school yard. They suggest that they wore drafted for a Government that was hard up and wanted some reven ue. If I had a car I would have the wind up all the time. It's not fair for the council to ask judgment on regulations so ridiculous and unfair.*'

Councillor Mitchell said a drive? was not allowed to blow his horn, even when another car was backing into him. It would cost him £50 —£50 a blow Perhaps it might be cheap! Councillor Gaudin thought they should protest against some of tYa provisions, notably holding municipalities liable for warning notices at level crossings, but they should only deal with matters that affected them as a city. If they were all put into force every motorist would sooner or later find himself in _ the police court They were a trap for the unwary. "Left in Mid-air." Councillor Hislop then moved the deletion of clause 3E in Regulation 2; the last clause in Regulation 3, clause 7 in Eegulation 3; and clause 8 in Regulation 4. These motions were seconded and carried. It should be explained that the above amendanients were the suggestd additions brought forward by the city solicitor. The meeting left the Public Works Motor Regulations in mid-air—where one member suggested they should be left.