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Rear Lighting Rules Revised : Draft Issued to Makers T HE

16th April 1954, Page 38
16th April 1954
Page 38
Page 38, 16th April 1954 — Rear Lighting Rules Revised : Draft Issued to Makers T HE
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Minister of Transport has revised the present rules regarding rear lamps and reflectors as the result of the passing of the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1953. Broadly, all vehicles must have two reflectors by October 1 this year. New vehicles produced on and after that date will require two rear lamps; whilst existing vehicles must have two rear lamps by October 1, 1956.

Although regulations have not yet been made, details of relevant proposals have been drawn up in a schedule for circulation among manufacturers and other interested parties. In the extracts below, " new vehicles" are those registered for the first time on and after October 1, 1954.—

(1) Double-deckers with doorless rear opening:

NEW VEHICLES: Lateral position--reflector and lamp on each side of longitudinal axis and not less than 21 in. apart; no part of illuminated or reflecting area more than 24 in. from outer edge on same side. Longitudinal position—not more than 30 in. from extreme rear. Maximum height from ground—reflectors and off-side lamp,

3 ft. 6 in., near-side lamp, 8 ft. Minimum height from ground, 15 in.

Ems-Iwo VEHICLES: Lateral position —one lamp on centre line or off side; one reflector on each side of longitudinal axis; no part of reflecting area to be more than 36 in. from outer edge on near side and 24 in. from outer edge on off side. Requirement for second rear lamp indefinitely postponed. Longitudinal position—as for new

vehicles. Maximum height from ground—reflectors, 3 ft. 6 in.; lamp, no stipulation. Minimum height from ground, 15 in.

(2) All other public service vehicles (8seaters and bigger):

NEW VEHICLES: Lateral and longitudinal positions—as for double-deckers. Maximum height from ground—lamp and reflector. on each side, 3 ft. 6 in. Minimum height from ground, 15 in.

Exisrm VEHICLES: Lateral and longitudinal positions—as for doubledeckers. Maximum and minimum heights from ground—as for existing double-deckers.

(3) Goods vehicles over 30-cwt. unladen and trailers (excepting engineering plant, are appliances, special trailer vehicles authorized under proviso lb] to Section 3111 of 1930 Act, and municipal cleansing, refuse collection, road-repair and grilling vehicles):

ALL VEHICLES; Lateral positionreflector and lamp on each side of longitudinal axis and not less than 21 in. apart; no part of illuminated or reflecting area to be farther from outer edge on same side than 30 in. for lamps and 16 in. for reflectors. Longitudinal position—not farther from extreme rear than 3 ft. 6 in. for lamps and 30 in. for reflectors. Maximum height from ground—lamps, 3 ft. 6 in.; reflectors.

4 ft. 6 in. Minimum height from ground —lamps and reflectors, 15 in. for new vehicles; reflectors. 15 in., with no stipulation for lamps on existing vehicles. Lamp and reflector on one side to be at same height as those on the other.

(4) Other goods vehicles, including three-wheelers:

Lateral position—reflector and lamp on each side of longitudinal axis and not less than 21 in. apart; no part of illuminated or reflecting area more than 16 in. (reflectors on new and existing vehicles) and 24 in. (lamps on existing vehicles) from outer edge on same side. Longitudinal position—not more than 30 in. from extreme rear. Maximum height from ground3 ft. 6 in. Minimum height from ground-15 in. (reflectors on all vehicles and lamps on new vehicles); no stipulation for lamps on existing vehicles. Lamp and reflector on one side to be at same height as those on the other.

Buses and coaches registered before October 1, 1954, will not be required to have a second rear lamp because they are brightly lit inside and often illuminated outside as well. "Extreme rear" is to be defined as the rear of the vehicle when a tailboard or other adjustable fixture is extended.

Proposals foreshadowing legislation have also been made in respect of other classes of vehicle, bicycles, etc.

The standard of performance of lamps and reflectors is to be fixed by the Minister at a later date. but lamps of present legal pattern will not become illegal when, as contemplated, existing specifications are revised. Neither will reflectors of acceptable type today be made illegal, at least for several years.

It is contemplated that reflectors will have to be at least 11 in, in diameter or, if not circular, of equivalent area. The minimum legal size for reflectors is now 11 in. Reflectors must not show any letter, number or marking. The minimum diameter for rear lamps will be laid down as 2 in.

Bulbs of not less than 6w. will be required, and where two lamps are needed they must look alike and be so wired that if one goes out the other stays alight.

Regulations dealing with projecting and overhanging loads will be prepared as soon as possible.

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