The Road Traffic Act, 1934, Now Law
Page 52
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE Road Traffic Act, 1934, is now law, having received the Royal Assent last Tuesday. It is important, however, to realize that an Act like this must be brought into force piecemeal, and it will be some months before the whole is in operation. For instance, in respect of the 30 m.p.h. speed limit in built-up areas, the highway authorities will have to be given reasonable time to make surveys of their areas, and attention will have to be given to the types of sign, etc., and these matters will occupy a considerable period.
As regards pedestrian crossings, progress will be made with these almost immediately, for in July there were 219 crossings in the Metropolitan Area ; since then proposals have been put forward for 1,786 crossings covering 90 miles of radial roads. Co-operation with 68 local authorities has been necessary. The Minister has power to require authorities to submit schemes, and has in reserve the power to impose schemes when necessary. These crossings are looked upon by the Ministry as the most helpful means for saving life.
It has been stated that the letter " C " will be utilized on posts to distinguish uncontrolled crossings, but this is most expensive ; each illuminated post costs approximately £15, and such signs will probably only be employed for a time and in comparatively few areas until people become accustomed to the procedure. It is hoped that they will not be necessary later, when some other advance warning— possibly on the road surface—will be given.
The regulation calling for white reflectors on bicycles will also be brought into force quickly, after due notice has been given to cyclists. Likewise, that by which two people will not be allowed to ride on a bicycle unless the machine has been specially designed for this purpose. Details for the tests for drivers have not yet been com pleted. They will, however, include starting, stopping, B40 manceuvring in confined spaces (as in car parks), tests of ability to act promptly and correctly in response to signals, and as to the question of the applicant's knowledge of the highway code. Provisional licences will be issued to learners, who must be accompanied by a licensed driver, except in the case of a solo motorcycle. The question as to whether learners; vehicles should display special distinguishing marks had not been decided. All those people who have applied for and obtained licences since April 1 will be required to undergo a test.
The organization to carry out the tests will have to be on a considerable scale and will take some ,time to form. It will be arranged in conjunction with the representative motoring and commercial-vehicle organizations. It is hoped, however, to put it into effect by January 1, 1935. An applicant rejected by one tester will not be allowed to go to another unless he has made proper application for a further test.
The Minister now has power to make regulations regarding the hours during which drivers may not sound warning devices in cfrtain areas. We understand the Police are in favour of this being brought into force so soon as may be possible. Reverting to the pedestrian crossings, drivers should note that the pedestrian is not required to give any signal of his intention to cross, beyond stepping off the pavement deliberately, but he is expected not to hinder or obstruct the free passage of any vehicle proceeding in the general line of traffic, for he may be fined for so doing. The provision regarding the recovery of a medical fee of 12s. 601. from a motor-vehicle driver concerned in an accident will probably come into force on January 1, 1935. The special driving licences for heavy goods vehicles, which will be valid for three years, will be required from the same date.