THE VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION AND USE REGULATIONS
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MHE Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1931, made by the Minister of Transport under the Road Traffic Act, also the Motor Vehicles (Authorization of Special Types) Order (No. 1), 1931, both came into force on January 15th.
The new Orders repeal and consolidate 26 existing Orders made under the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896. They contain important new requirements, but owners of existing vehicles have been adequately safeguarded, either by the exemption of such vehicles from certain regulations or by the granting of a generous time limit in which to effect the alterations. This being the case, and as the pressure on our space is exceedingly great, we have decided to publish fuller details of the Regulations in our next issue, and refer briefly now to only the most important alterations.
The fitting of safety-glass windsereens end side guard rails or similar devices is required on certain types of vehicle. It is also prescribed that the weight distribution, packing and adjustment of any vehicle or trailer load shall at all times be such that no damage is likely to be caused to any person on the vehicle or on a road.
Subject to very few exceptions; (a) on and after January 1st, 1933, locomotives and tractors and trailers drawn thereby must be fitted with either pneumatic or rubber tyres; (b) heavy motorcars and motorcars registered after January 1st, 1933, must be equipped with pneumatic tyres, and they must all be equipped with pneumatic tyres by January 1st, 1940; (c) every trailer constructed after January 1st, 1933, drawn either by a motorcar or heavy motorcar, must have pneumatic tyres. Here, again, all such trailers must be so equipped by January 1st, 1940.
In the case of a heavy motorcar registered on or before January 1st, 1932, the maximum permissible width of 7 ft. 6 ins. may be increased by 6 ins, in eases where the excess width is necessitated by conversion. from solids to pneumatics.
The use of small-diameter wheels with solid tyres and trailers has been . re
stricted to vehicles of special types, such as refuse collectors and light works trucks. Existing vehicles and those registered or constructed before January 1st, 1933, are safeguarded.
The existing weight limits have mostly been retained, but an additional regulation limits to 40 tons the weight of trailers drawn by a locomotive.
Exemption from the requirements as to the employment of attendants for trailers is made: (a) in the case of an articulated vehicle; (b) where a trailer with not more than two wheels is drawn by a motorcar or motorcycle ; and. (c) where a motorcar tractor is drawing : (1) insulated meat vans working between docks, railway stations and markets ; and (2) any machine used in connection with road repair or road cleansing.
In general, the Regulations shall not apply to vehicles proceeding to a port for export.
Copies of the Regulations can be obtained from H.M. Stationery Office or through any bookseller. Copies of the Order can be obtained from the Ministry of Transport up to January 24th.