SAFETY ON ROADS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 331, 12 January 1937, Page 6

SAFETY ON ROADS.

MOTOR REGULATIONS. Cars Must Be Mechanically Sound. Provisions in the new motor regulations in addition to those regarding lights and mascots have been framed with the general idea of ensuring that every car on the road is in mechanically sound order and is not when driven a menace to other users of the road, Mr A. T. Ogilvie, Transport Vehicle Inspector at Stratford stated in an interview with a “Central Press” representative yesterday. Provisions concerning brakes would ensure that no person should operate a. motor vehicle unless it is equipped with two independant brakes, one a hand brake and th e other a foot brake. A slight concession was being allowed cars fitted with the oldfashioned two wheel brakes. Cars with four wheel brakes were required to be able.‘using the foot brake, to pull up within 25 feet, travelling at 20 miles per hour. Cars fitted two wheel brakes were required to be able to pull up within 35 feet, travelling at the same speed. Steering, Steering will b e required to be of ample strength and of such design as to give convenient and sensitive control. Unless the vehicle inspector otherwise approves, where ball and socket joints are used for steering connections, the respective parts |of these joints shall be prevented • from separating, through wear or i neglect of maintenance, by the provision of a special keeper or some other suitable and positive retaining device, approved for the purpose. With the idea of safeguarding the motorist by ensuring that repair work is carried out by competent men, according to a statement by the Minister of Transport, regular inspection of vehicles is to he carried out only by approved A grade garages, the proprietors of which are members of the Motor Traders’ Association.