New C. and U. Regulations
Page 35
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rONCESMONS to operators of heavy motor cars, trailers, works trucks, pedestrian-controlled vehicles and road sweepers are contained in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2)Regulations, 1951, which came into force on Monday Lily 16).
One of the most important amendments is the revocation of the regulations under. which ;every heavy motor car was required Jo carry on each wheel a plate indicating, he maximum nominal section of tyre for which the wheel was designed. This was the notorious plating regulation which has been generally ignored.
An attendant need not now be carried on • a motor.vehicle which is drawing a trailer not constructed to carry, and not carrying, 'a load other than permanently fixed plant or other special appliance, and not exceeding 45 cwt. in total weight, if the trailer brakes automatically come into operation on the overrun. The limit was formerly 2 tons.
Road-sweeping vehicles, constructed or adapted solely for the purpose, may now be built to an overall width of 8ft.
A works truck is defined as "a motor vehicle designed for use in works or in private premises and used on a road only in passing from one part of the works or premises to another, or to works or premises in the immediate neighbourhood." It need not have a speedometer, comply with the regulations restricting overhang, be equipped with pneumatic tyres, or have mud wings. Only one braking system and one means for operation need be fitted.
• A pedestrian-controlled vehicle is defined as "a motor vehicle which is controlled by a pedestrian and not constructed or adapted for use or used for the carriage of a driver or passenger." . A " pram^' with pneumatic tyres may now have a wheel-rim diameter of less than 670 mm. It does not require a rear-view mirror. A pedestrian-controlled vehicle weighing not more than 8 cwt. unladen, which has more than three wheels and in which any brake shoe can be applied by more than one means, need not have brakes. on all wheels capable of being operated by one means.