Government Regulations Objected To

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 278, 14 February 1928, Page 6

Government Regulations Objected To

Speed Limits Thought Absurdly Inadequate MOTORIST BODIES PROTEST A great deal of dissatisfaction exists among motorists’ organisations at the anomalies and mistakes in the new Government motor regulations, the gazetting of which is imminent. The opinion is expressed that the Public Works Department has not only ignored the attitude of motorist bodies, but has not given them the fullest opportunity of reviewing the proposed provisions.

ONE of the main bones of contention is the speed limits, under which for example the absolute maximum of speed allowed on any country road in New Zealand is 35 miles an hour. To put such a limit on roads empty and stretching straight to the horizon, is felt to be particularly irritating. Objection is also made to some of the other speed limits, and also those allowed round corners of certain mininum visibility. u It is not that these bodies object to speed limits, as such (they are really very anxious to reduce danger to the lowest possible minimum), but objection is made to petty and unnecessarily low restrictions, especially in view of the increased efficiency of motors and modern accessories, such as fourwheeled brakes.

At a meeting of the Council of the A.A.A. last week, hearty laughter was raised when the secretary read out, verbatim, some of the proposed regulations in their minute details. The authorities have gone to great care in pointing out that both hands must always be kept on the steering wheel—that one-arm driving is not allowedbut have gone to equal care in specifying when and where to blow the horn, and how to signal with the hand when changing direction. The A.A.A. is making a valiant attempt to remedy some of the anomalies before it is too late, and in this they should have the support of all the motorists throughout New Zealand.