OFF-SIDE ROAD RULE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 128, 20 August 1927, Page 10

OFF-SIDE ROAD RULE

MINISTER’S PROMISE LEGISLATION HOPED FOR About three years ago, the need for traffic control at street intersections caused the Automobile Associations as the representatives of motorists, some I concern, and there was considerable i discussion as to whether the off, or near-side rule, would be the better. Finally at a conference of motorists from the North and South Islands, the off-side or right-hand rule was adopted and immediate steps taken to induce the Government to include this rule in the regulations under the Motor Vehicles Bill. After numerous representations had been made to the Minister, he gave a definite promise, over 18 months ago, that when the new regulations came forward the off-side rule would be included. For some unaccountable reason there has been one delay after another, and probably still further delay by the change of control from one department to another. Now that the matter is in the hands of the Public Works Department the long-awaited regulations are expected this session. In addition to the off-side rule there will be a number of improvements which the Automobile Associations have been demanding for some years, not the least important being the motorists’ system of traffic signals. In the past local bodies have imposed their own by-laws, and in numerous cases these have been not only confusing, but neighbouring towns have differed. The result of the new regulations will li the establishment of a universal set o 1 motor driving rules, in place of many of the present local body by-laws. While this controversy has been going on, the Automobile Associations have been doing their best to improve matters pending the Government’s action. Over two years ago members were circularised requesting them to observe the off-side rule, and by bringing it into general use to strengthen the action of the combined associations. The A.A.A. approached the Auckland City Council and other local bodies with the result that in Auckland and many country towns in the A.A.A. district, the rule has for some time been embodied under the by-laws. The A.A.A. has also stressed the off-side rule in its motor by-law booklet, which is 'issued free to all' motorists, and is given out by local traffic authorities to new drivers, and, by means of broadcasting lectures, has also endeavoured to impress on motorists their duty in this respect.