H.—4o

Following the Department's investigations and the discussions at this conference an amendment to the regulations was effected altering the maximum permissible speeds as follows : —

(i) Passenger-vehicles.

(ii) Goods-vehicles.

These maximum speeds relate only to heavy motor-vehicles which are sprung and equipped with pneumatic tires on all wheels. The speeds permitted solid rubber-tired and metal-tired vehicles and also unsprung vehicles remain unchanged. (6) Limitation of Loads on Roads. A further number of local authorities have now effected the classification of roads under their control, with the result that now there are 54 per cent, of all rural roads classified and 95 per cent, of the main-highway system throughout the rural areas. The mileages are as follows : —

(i) Classification of Rural Roads.

(ii) Classification of Main Highways.

Local authorities generally have adopted Class 111 as the maximum except where the roads are of a high type dustless surface or adjacent to large industrial centres. In many cases the main highways and any other important key roads have been classified in this class and the minor roads left unclassified, except where a light type of construction necessitates a lower weight-limitation than Class 111 provides. For all practical purposes the classification of the main routes traversing an area effectively limits the loading throughout the whole roading system of that area. In addition to road classification which has been newly effected, there has been a review of the position in connection with certain vital links in the roading system where a classification in Class IV or Class V has obtained for a number of years. In some of these cases the roads were found to have been improved and strengthened to an extent warranting an increase in the allowable load-limits, and the classification was accordingly raised to Class 111 or to Class IV. Under the programme of reconstruction on State highways now being actively pursued by the Main Highways Board it

16

Maximum Gross Weight. Former Speed-limit. Amended Speed-limit. 2 tons to 4f tons .. .. .. .. 35 m.p.h. 35 m.p.h. 4J tons to 6| tons . . . . .. .. 25 m.p.h. 35 m.p.h. 6| tons to 10 tons .. . . . . .. 20 m.p.h. 30 m.p.h. 10 tons to 15 tons .. . . .. . . 20 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h.

Maximum Gross Weight. Former Speed-limit. Amended Speed-limit. 2 tons to 4| tons .. .. .. .. 25 m.p.h. 30 m.p.h. 4| tons to 6| tons .. .. .. . . 20 m.p.h. 30 m.p.h. 6| tons to 10 tons . . .. .. . . 15 m.p.h. 25 m.p.h. 10 tons to 15 tons . . .. .. . . 15 m.p.h. 20 m.p.h.

R°o^ds d Class IL Class IIL Class IV " Class V " T °fioition SS1 " Miles. Miles. Miles. ! Miles. Miles. Miles. North Island .. .. .. 26,045 182 4,946 8,788 2,730 16,646 South Island .. .. .. 21,805 578 6,257 2,237 275 9,347 Totals .. .. 47,850 760 11,203 11,025 3,005 25,993 i

„.^ ain , Class īr. Class III. Class IV. Class V. Total 9 lassi " Highways. j neation. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. Miles. North Island .. .. .. 6,467 98 2,908 3,154 95 6,255 South Island .. .. .. 5,217 450 4,250 138 32 4,870 Totals 11,684 548 7,158 3,292 127 11,125