New Powers Under Traffic Act
Page 11
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MEW powers came into effect last
11 Friday under the first Commencement Order of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 including new lighting regulations, defining types of head and tail lamps; the control of hovercraft used on the road: the power to increase driving test fees and penalties for failure to keep an appointment without reasonable notice. The Minister of Transport also has extended powers to introduce experimental traffic schemes outside London.
Other provisions, coming into effect on November I, include a new measure against drivers with uncorrected defective eyesight. Fines of up to £50 or three months imprisonment may be imposed on drivers who do not come up to standard requirements; the police will be authorized to conduct roadside tests.
Also effective on November I: powers to rationalize permanent speed limits and to make temporary maximum and minimum speed limits; an extension of the offence of unlawfully taking away vehicle and a minor clause making it an absolute offence to hold on to a vehicle for the purpose of being drawn along.
Several main provisions of the Act. including those relating to drink and driving, disqualification, endorsement. penalties and commercial-vehicle drivers' records will not come into effect under this Order, but it is expected that they may do so early in the New Year.