Motor Regulations to be Codified

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 201, 14 November 1927, Page 12

Motor Regulations to be Codified

PROPOSED REGULATIONS SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD The modification of _ regulations governing motor traffic throughout the Dominion is the object of a comprehensive schedule of suggestions prepared by the Public Works Department. It is proposed that these regulations, after discussion and revision, oe embodied in a new Act to be knov/n as the Motor Vehicles Regulations, 1927. It is the aim of the framers of the schedule to have uniformly-determined speed limits, a national system of signals. and to clear up many p lints in traffic problems at present the subject of controversy. It is stipulated that a motor-vehicle shall never be driven so fast that it cannot be halted within half the distance of the clear road ahead. This provision assumes a knowledge of braking-powers that the average driver does not possess. FOUR SPEED-LIMITS Four speed-limits are declared: (a) Thirty-five miles an hour for distances not over one-quarter of a mile; (b) 25 miles an hour within the limits of any borough or town district; (c) 15 miles an hour when passing a school, hospital or a section of road under repair, or when approaching any bitersection of such a nature that visibility is not comiilete for 90 feet past the corner; (d) 10 miles an hour when going through a tunnel, around a curve with the view obstructed less than 60 feet ahead, or when overtaking a stationary omnibus or passing a stationary tramcar bound in the opposite direction. Local bodies are given the power to impose other speed-limits, provided they are indicated by standardised signs to warn drivers when they enter area which are subject to special restrictions. The sign suggested by the department for local speed-limit and danger notices is the vellow diamond with black lettering so extensively used by the Auckland Automobile Association. The regulations state it shall be a sufficient defence to a charge of speeding if the signposting scheme has not been carried out by the local body. LIGHTING QUESTION Many weaknesses in the Lights on Vehicles Act are wiped out by the portion of the new regulations dealing with lighting equipment. Dimming is prohibited by a clause which states that when a car is in rnotion its lights may not be varied appreciably in brilliance or extinguished. To deal with the dazzle problem the regulations provide that any headlight of sufficient intensity to be objectionable shall be adjusted so that the main beam of reflected light is not more than 3ft 6in. above the ground at 75 feet from the vehicle. This regulation is founded on the by-law introduced for the first time in New Zealand by the Auckland City Council. As a by-law it has proved difficult to enforce, and after a flash of interest stimulated by demonstrations by the Auckland Automobile Association, motorists forgot the measure ind the headlight testing-site has not nad a patron for many months. The regulations require that the brilliance of car and commercial vehicle lights shall be such that the nature of the road surface shall be distinguishable at 150 feet. The range for motor-cycle lights is fixed at 90 feet. Tail-lights must be attached to the right of the vehicle instead of right, centre or left, as at present. This is a response to a complaint from the motor associations regarding the difficulty of distinguishing the safe clearance of an overtaken vehicle which does not carry the rear light on the extreme right. The tail light must also be powerful enough to render tlit* number plate readable at 60 feet. This is a small consideration for police and traffic inspectors. It will mean that some Auckland motorists will have to remove the encrustations of mud which are cultivated on the tail lamp. Alternatively ‘a stronger electric bulb may be fitted to satisfy this provision. THE USE OF SPOTLIGHTS A single spotlight is permitted, nut the regulations make it an offence to use a spotlight except for illuminating the road ahead. This restriction is aimed at drivers who use the spotlight at random for distinguishing street names while travelling past intersections. The regulation also aims at tlie motorist who uses the spotlight to dazzle any approaching driver who does not approve the habit of dimming. Stationary vehicles, other than solo motor-cycles, are required to display two front lights and a tail-light except: (a) on a stand recognised by the local authority; (b) at a place where a sign indicates that venicles may stand without lamps; (e) at any place which is adequately lighted by street lamps. The last clause is qualified by the provision that only vehicles within 30 feet of a street light shall be deemed adequately, lighted. Breaking power is defined according to the weight of the vehicle. A vehicle under three tons should be brought to a stop from 20 miles an h )ur at a distance of not more than 50 feet by the foot-brake and 75 feet by the emergency broke. LEFT-HAND DRIVE PROHIBITED The provisions restrict the use of bells to ambulances, sirens to fireengines and open exhausts to racing cars proceeding to declared racing grounds over a route approved by the local authority. The registration of cars with steering wheels and controls on the left-hand side is prohibited after March, 1928. Pillionriding on motor-cycles is permitted provided the passenger s noun tod astride.

Passing stationary tramcars pound in the same direction is an offence. This is already covered by the by-laws of most cities.

The “off-side” or -fight-hand rule for the precedence of traffic meeting at right angles Is also suggested for a national measure. This . ule was introduced into New Zealand by tne Auckland City Council at the suggestion of several magistrates. Other cities followed and most Auckland boroughs have adopted the -emulation. Uniform hand signals are suggested, but mechanical signals which are distinct are acceptable. Drivers are to notify intentions as follows: —t.a) when about to stop by bending tlie right forearm upwards with the body horizontal: (b) if turning to the right, by extending the right arm horizontally.