Motor Omnibus Construction.
Page 5
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We have received the following official communication from the Metropolitan Police Office, New Scotland Yard. Sir,-In continuation of the letter of September 27th last on the Subject mentioned above, I have to forward for your information a copy of draft regulations which, subject to possible modifications, I desire to issue for the guidance of proprietors and others owning or making this class of vehicle, I should be glad if you will, after perusal, favour me, on Or before December t ith next, with the observations or Suggestions on them you may desire to offer.
It is to be understood that the regulations will not apply to omnibuses already actually made, or so far advanced as to be incapable of alteration, and if you will let me know the number if any) so affected, I shall he prepared to give them special consideration. I would also invite you to consider what can be done to the types of carriages at present licensed, or under construction, which do not give :I clearance Of at least loin, between the under parts and the ground, to protect, by means of a guard or fender, persons falling in front of the vehicle but not under the wheels, from being crushed lay the low axles, engine shields, etc.
1 desire to thank you for the manner in which this subject has been taken up, and trust that with your assistance, the regulations may be so framed as to ensure the production Of vehicles of a type suitable alike to the public and proOrietors, and which will not require to be materially altered for many years.-I am, sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) E. R. HENRY.
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
[Coev.] Notice to Proprietors as to Conditions for Obtaining a Certificate of Fitness for Motor Omnibuses.
Carriages must be submitted for inspection in a thoroughly good condition, rind no Carriage will be certified fit for public use unless it is newly painted and varnished. The following conditions must also be strictly complied with : r. Stage Carriages propelled by mechanical means, and subject to the Light Locomotives Act 15g and 6o Vice. cap. 361, and Motor Car Act (3 Edwd. VII. cap 36), must comply with the requirements of those Acts, and of the Orders of the Local (:overnmeet Board trade in pursuance thereof.
2 Facli new type of motorcar intended for licensing must be presented tit New Scotland Yard for inspection. The proprietor must at the same time produce the Certificate of registration, and also one from the maker stating the machinery to be safe and in every way fit for use in a public carriage.
if, on inspection, the ear is approved, such approval may extend to all cars of that description, and cars of that type need not be again presented at New Scotland Yard, but may be taken to the usual passing station, provided a certificate from the maker is submitted with each car for licensing, stating that it is in every respect similar to the type already approved.
Should an alteration be made, the same course may be required as for a first inspection.
Should it be deemed necessary, an expert will be employed to advise on the subject. The fee for the expert examination to be deposited by the proprietor with the Commissioner, which fee will be returned if the car is passed without alteration being required.
3. The following measurements for an omnibus with top-deck seats !oust be adhered to, and the number of passengers to be provided for on such vehicles must in no case exceed 16 inside and (8 outside :
Chassis-Height from ground after the body is affixed, miniMont 28in., maximum 3 tin.
T.ength, maximum left.
Breadth, inside measurement, minimum 38in., maximum 48in.
Clearance of the under parts, including axle as far back As the differential gear box (where fitted), must be at least loin. when the bus is fully loaded.
Wheel base (centre), minimum saft., maximum 13.1t. 6in.
Wheel track (centre), minimum 5ft, 6in. Body-Heig,ht inside, minimum 5ft. loin., maximum 6ft. Height from ground to spring of roof, maximum Sft. join.
Height from ground to centre of roof ; not to exceed sin, camber.
Height of side guard rails 3ft., and 18in. above the seats. Height of front and back guard rails 3ft. 301. Width of body inside between seat backs, mini.mum 6in.
Width from off hind roof seat to back rail, minimum 2601.
Length of platform 36in. Steps : one only to he used, which should be about 15111. from the ground. Total length overall not to exceed 22ft. NOTE.-Smaller omnibuses to be in proportion to the foregoing measurements. 4. Each carriage must he fitted with at least Two independent brakes of sufficient strength that either of them is capable of stopping and holding the carriage under all conditions. NOTE.-The maintenance of the brakes in perfect order is of the utmost importance, and this will at all times be insisted upon. 5. Each car must be capable of being readily steered and able to turn a corner without unduly interfering with other traffic_ 6. The steering arms, etc.., to be of sufficient strength, and as far as possible protected frum damage by collision. Where possible they should be in duplicate, to allow of the car being controlled should one part become defective. 7. All wires carrying electric current to be sufficiently insulated and placed so as to be free from danger.
S. Petrol tanks should if possible be cylindrical and not rectangular, sirong enough to resist pressure, and should, as far as possible, be fixed so that any overflow of petrol does not fall upon woodwork.
9. Driving chains and sprockets to be protected by a suitable guard. Head lights of great brilliancy (such as powerful acetylene lamps) will not be permitted That at least tin. measuring in a straight line are allowed for each passenger on every seat, which must be fit and proper and convenient for sitting on. r2. The number of passengers which the vehicle is licensed to carry to be legibly painted On the outside and inside. 13. Fares to be legibly painted on the inside, also the words Metropolitan Stage Carriage," and the number of the Number Plate.
14 The words " Metropolitan Stage Carriage," with the number of the Number Plate, to be legibly painted on the outside, behind the carriage, on the near side. r5. The full Christian name and surname of proprietor, and names of extreme places to be painted on each side of the carriage clear of the wheels. (7. The cairiage is to be suitably lighted inside and outside. Where acetylene or other gas is used the cylinders or vessels which contain the gas, or in which it is generated, must be fixed outside in such a position as to be removed as far as possible from danger of accidental ignition. The pipes are to be led along the outside. • 18. No printed, written, or other matter shall appear on the inside or outside of the carriage by way of advertisement, except such, if any, as may be .approved by the Commissioner. rg. No celluloid or xylimite fittings to be placed inside or outside.
20. There must be proper ventilation without opening the windows.
21. Carriages with cross or garden scats on the roof 11111tit have at least 26m. clear from the inside back of one seat to the hack of the seat in front of it, so that'there shall be room for the knees. The backs of all such seats are to be closed, so as to prevent the pockets of passengers being picked.
22. The steps for getting inside, on roof, etc., to be safe and convenient, efficient means being provided by rails or bands to assist passengers entering and leaving. 23. The outer stringer of staircase is to be so constructed, or a hand is to be so placed, as to art as a decency screen to persons ascending or descending. There must also be an intermediate guard rail, where necessary, between the hand-rail and the stringer.
24. The staircase must be so constructed that no aperture is left at the top landing board through which a passenger might inadvertently step, an accident resulting.
25. The cushions of seats, where stch are provided, to be covered with leather, cloth of good quality, or rattan, and not stuffed with hay, straw, seaweed, or whalebone shavings. Inferier American or similar cloth is not regarded as suitable for publie carriages. NOTE.-Though the above conditions may have been com
plied with, yet, if there be anything in the construction, form, or general appearance which in the opinion of the Commissioner renders the carriage unfit for public use, it will not be licensed. (Signed) E. R. HENR .".