Mind Your Road Manners!
Page 20
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THERE is a new Highway Code in preparation, but it is not likely to be published before the late spring or early summer. In the meantime, it is not realized by many drivers that their adherence to certain practices followed during the war period may, if exercised now, get them into difficulties with the police.
There were certain concessions, as, for example, the removal of the need for illuminating rear number plates, whilst there were other regulations which, although they had not been modified, were not strictly enforced, probably because the police were mostly engaged in other directions and could not be spared for this purpose. An instance of this relaxation was in connection with the regulation forbidding the giving of "audible warning" by drivers after 11.30 p.m. in built-up areas or when a vehicle is stationary during daylight.
Some tail lamps were fitted which had no means for lighting the number plate; others had the light panel painted over or covered. All drivers would be well advised to see that proper lighting is now employed, also that the number plates. both front and rear, are kept clean so that they are readable at the prescribed distance. With so many vehicles being stolen, this matter of the police and others being able clearly to observe the numbers is of particular importance in tracing and recovering them.
Many people pay no attention now to the banning of hooting at night or when a vehicle is standing, and may be disagreeably surprised if they receive warnings or summonses for these offences.
There is slackness apparent in another direction, that is in the obeying of traffic light signals. We regret to have observed that bus drivers are somewhat lax in this respect, but there are others just as culpable. Some drivers shoot off the mark before the "green" appears, and if others, on cross traffic, be late and speed over almost at the conclusion of the " amber " period, there is grave danger of serious results.
We strongly advise all drivers to comply with these existing regulations and not to wait for the salutary reminder of prosecutions.