New Indicator and Stop-light Rules
Page 35
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rERTA1N minor amendments to the
law relating to traffic indicators and stop lights on road vehicles, contained in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1951, came into force yesterday (August 14).
Direction indicators and stop lights are not at present compulsory, but whcre they are fitted they must comply with the Regulations. The effects of the amendments are that indicators, except of the " repeater" type, must not be fitted more than 6 ft. behind the base of the windscreen (this distance is increased from a maximum of 4 ft.), and that stop lights fitted to trailers will now be regulated in the same way as stop lights on motor vehicles.
Copies of the amending Regulations, which are entitled The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations, 1952 (5.1.1952 No. 1453), are obtainable from the Stationery Office.
MARYLEBONE COACH PARK CLOSES
COACH operators' parking problems have been aggravated by the closure of the Marylebone parking site in Cosway Street, London, N.W.1. The former lessee held a lease from the London County Council until March 31 for part of the land and from the Church for the remainder. The Church's lease was due to expire on September 30.
The use of the site as a coach 'oark was denied when planning permission expired on March 31. Building work on an extension to Christ's Church School will commence before the end of the year. St. Marylebone Borough Council used to receive many complaints from local residents when the land was used as a coach park.
CEYLON NEEDS MORE BUSES
THE number of passengers on the buses in Ceylon is increasing at the rate of 20 per cent. a year, whereas the number of vehicles is rising by only 11 per cent, a year) Adequate services are being maintained because the newer buses are of larger carrying capacity and all vehicles are running greater mileages.
Mr. C. B. P. Perera, Commissioner for Motor Transport, made these observations in his report for 1951. He added that it was necessary for operators to enlarge their fleets if they were to deal with current demands. All companies had been warned that the continuance of their permits would depend on the provision of adequate facilities.
Nearly half the buses on the roads in Ceylon were over seven years old and had probably passed their period -of useful service.
A request was made last year by the All-Ceylon Omnibus Association for a fares increase on the ground of higher costs. This was refused, and the Association had renewed its pressure for an advance this year. The Minister of Transport has said that charges would
not be raised unless the operators formed themselves into public concerns and their accounts showed losses sufficient to warrant the consideration of a revision.
E.Y.M.S. OUT FOR FUEL ECONOMY
AFUEL-ECONOMY drive has been launched by East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd. One of the instructions to drivers is that they should stop the engine when their buses are standing for a protracted period. Special reference is made to long waits at railway crossings, Of which there are many in Hull.
Drivers are also urged to switch off their engines at terminals unless passengers are to be picked up immediately. On no account must engines be left running while no one is in the cab. Defects, particularly fuel leaks, must be sought and reported, and a special watch must be kept for smoky exhaust. Drivers are also told: " Remember speeding is wasteful of oil fuel."
Those who attend to the fuel tanks are asked to avoid overfilling and spillage. Conductors are reminded to' record all dead mileage and diversions, for if all the mileage run be accounted for, the company will know whether its vehicles be up to the required standard.
The maintenance department is urged to attend to leaks, to avoid engine overheating and to maintain proper tyre pressures. Brakes should not bind and tappet settings should have particular attention.
NATIONALIZATION OFF 16 PROPOSAL to nationa'ize road i transport services in Rajastan. India, has been temporarily shelved. The decision has been taken by the State Government because of financial stringency.