PASSENGER TRAVEL NEWS.
Page 58
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The Latest Doings and Developments in the Bus and Coach World.
• NEW BUS REGULATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND.
Some Requirements Which Have to be Met and Which Come Into• in a Few Weeks' Time.
ADDITIONAL regulations underthe New Zealand Motor Omnibus Traffic Act of last session, relating to the design, construction and condition of buses, were recently gazetted and are to come into operation on May 31st, After that date all licensed buses will be required to be fitted with at least two doors, One of which may be reserved for use in emergency only. In such cases the vehicle has to be fitted with a specially prescribed emergency door, kept free from exterior obstruction, and a notice has to be displayed indicating the means for opening it. Every door in the bus will have to be opened and closed at least once a week and the various parts tested to ensure that the doors and locks are maintained in good working order.
A ready means of exit must be available for the driver, who is further protected,by the provisions relating to seating accommodation, visibility and the furnishing of a driving mirror.
Not more than 46 imperial gallons of liquid fuel may be carried on any bus at one time, save with the consent of the official inspecting engineer, whose permission will only be given in special circumstances and then solely for temporary purposes. No liquid fuel is to be carried other than in tke ordinary tank, which must not be filled when the engine is running.
Each bus must be fitted with two efficient independent brakes, one of which must be operated by a pedal, and two suitable fire-extinguishers must be carried.
If a bus owner desires to carry pas sengers over any route different to that on which. the Ims was used at the time of its last inspection by the inspecting engineer, written approval must first be obtained. No alteration shall be made in the design or construction of the bus (other than that needed • in connection with fair maintenance), and bulky equipment or fittings must not be added without first securing the written approval of the inspecting engineer.
A standard for the future construction of buses is indicated in the dense in the new regulations whieh reads as follows :—" Before any new omnibus is licensed, the inspecting engineer shall be supplied before inspection (and preferably before construction) with the makers' specifications and other data covering the design, strength and weight of the chassis, gear ratios, revolutions of the engine when running at normal speed and, when possible, steering mechanism ratios. Similarly, plans drawn to scale and specifications shall be supplied, showing all important dimensions and covering the design, strength and quality of materials for the body and fittings." The regulations specify the maximum length of an omnibus, including fittings, as 28 ft. and the maximum width as 8 ft. For protection from collision buses will require to be fitted with a front protection guard.
Although the regulations are, perhaps, of greatest concern to bodybuilders and users in New Zealand, they are not without interest to British makers who include this market 'within the compass oftheir activities.