S.I. No. 67/1928 - Motor Car (Public Service Vehicles) Order, 1928.

STATUTORY RULES AND ORDERS. 1928. No. 67.

MOTOR CAR (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) ORDER, 1928.

DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH.

THE MOTOR CAR (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) ORDER, 1928.

WHEREAS by Section 6 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, as modified by Section 12 of the Motor Car Act, 1903, and as adapted by the Adaptation of Enactments Act, 1922 , and the Ministers and Secretaries Act, 1924 , the Minister for Local Government and Public Health is empowered to make regulations with respect to the use on highways of light locomotives and motor cars as defined in the said Acts and their construction and the conditions under which they may be used, and by such regulations as respects any class of vehicle mentioned in the regulations to increase the maximum weights of three tons and four tons mentioned in Section 1 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, subject to any conditions as to the use and construction of the vehicle which may be made by the regulations :

AND WHEREAS it is enacted by Section 7 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, that a breach of any regulation so made may on summary conviction be punished by a fine not exceeding £10 :

AND WHEREAS by the Motor Cars (Use and Construction) (Ireland) Orders 1904 to 1912, certain regulations were made in pursuance of the above recited enactments with respect to the use of motor cars on highways and their construction and the conditions under which they may be used :

AND WHEREAS by the Heavy Motor Car Orders 1905 to 1928, regulations were made in pursuance of the above recited enactments with respect to the weight, speed, use and construction of heavy motor cars as therein defined :

AND WHEREAS it is expedient that additional regulations should be made as hereinafter appearing :

NOW THEREFORE, I, the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, in exercise of the powers vested in me in that behalf do hereby order as follows, that is to say :—

Article I. (1) In this Order :—

(i) the expression " the Principal Order " means the Heavy Motor Car Orders 1905 to 1928.

(ii) the expression " the General Order " means the Motor Cars (Use and Construction) (Ireland) Orders, 1904 to 1912.

(iii) the word " vehicle " means a motor car or heavy motor car.

(2) Save where otherwise provided by this Order words and expressions to which special meanings have been assigned by the Principal Order and the General Order have in this Order the same respective meanings.

(3) This Order shall come into operation on the First day of January, 1929, and that date is hereinafter referred to as the commencement of this Order.

(4.) This Order may be cited as the Motor Car (Public Service Vehicles) Order, 1928, and shall be construed as one with the Principal Order and the General Order.

Article II—From and after the commencement of this Order no double deck vehicle (other than a tramcar) shall, save in the County Borough of Dublin, the County Borough of Cork and the Urban District of Galway, be used on any highway for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire or reward.

Article III. (1) From and after the commencement of this Order no vehicle (other than a tramcar) having seats for more than seven persons (inclusive of the driver) shall be used on any highway for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire or reward, unless such vehicle complies with the regulations set forth in the Schedule hereunto annexed.

(2) The regulations set forth in the said Schedule shall in their application to a vehicle to which this Article applies have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Principal Order or the General Order.

(3) If any such vehicle as aforesaid does not comply with the regulations set forth in the said Schedule, the Minister for Local Government and Public Health may, on the application of the owner of the vehicle, if satisfied that the vehicle is in all respects otherwise fit and suitable to be used on any highway for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire or reward, assent to such departures from the said regulations as he shall deem expedient with respect to such vehicle.

Given under My Official Seal, this Tenth day of October in the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty-eight.

(Signed), RISTEÁRD UA MAOLCHATHA.

Minister for Local Government and Public Health.

Schedule referred to in the foregoing Order.

REGULATIONS.

1. Length.—The overall length, exclusive of the starting handle (if any) and of the hood (if any) when down, shall not exceed twenty-seven feet six inches measured from a horizontal line parallel to the back axle across the front of the mudguards or other most prominent fixtures in front of the vehicle to the back of the most prominent fixtures at the rear of the vehicle.

2. Width.—The overall width shall not exceed seven feet six inches and shall be measured from the outer edges of the mudguards or other most prominent fixtures at the sides of the vehicle.

3. Height (Inside of Body).—(a) Where the vehicle has a permanently fitted top, the inside height, measured at the centre line of the vehicle from the top of the floor battens of the lower deck to the lower edge of the hoop sticks or other such projections shall :—

(i) if the seating capacity of the vehicle does not exceed twenty, be not less than five feet three inches for a distance not exceeding two feet six inches from either end of the vehicle and for the remainder of the length of the vehicle be not less than five feet six inches.

(ii) If the seating capacity of the vehicle exceeds twenty, be not less than five feet six inches for a distance not exceeding two feet six inches from either end of the vehicle and for the remainder of the length of the vehicle be not less than five feet ten inches.

(b) Where the vehicle has not a permanently fitted top, the height of the body sides from the floor shall not be less than two feet four inches.

4. Gangways.—(a) The width of the gangway or central passage inside shall not be less than twelve inches up to the seat level; above seat level the width of the gangway shall not be less than fourteen inches.

(b) No seats shall be placed across the gangway at any time in vehicles with fixed roofs.

(c) No obstruction of any kind shall be placed or permitted at any time in the gangway.

5. Seats.—(a) Seats shall be convenient and suitable for their purpose.

(b) The surface of the portion of the seat against which the passengers back is to rest shall be at least fifty-four inches from the surface of the corresponding portion of the seat facing it, when seats are placed lengthwise.

(c) At least sixteen inches in length measured along the front of each seat shall be allowed for each passenger.

(d) Cross seats shall have a clearance of twenty-six inches between seat backs when facing in the same direction. When seats face each other, the clearance between the fronts of the seats shall be at least nineteen inches.

(e) The backs of the seats shall be closed except that a vent not wider than one inch may be made at the junction of the seat and its back.

6. Overhang Behind Rear Wheels.—The overhang behind the rear wheels measured from the centre of the rear axle shall not exceed seven twenty-fourths of the overall length of the vehicle.

7. Distance Between Wheel Tracks.—The distance between the centre lines of the track of the front wheels and of the rear wheels shall be as nearly as possible the same, and shall not be less than seventy-two per cent. of the overall width for a double-deck vehicle, and sixty-nine per cent. of the overall width for a single deck vehicle. In no case shall the distance between the centre lines of the tracks of the front wheels be less than the distance between the centre lines of the tracks of the rear wheels, nor shall the excess be more than five inches. In all cases wheel track measurements shall be measured horizontally in line with the axles.

8. Laden Weight.—The total laden weight of the vehicle shall not exceed nine tons, and the weight on any axle shall not exceed five and one half tons, and in calculating the total laden weight of the vehicle the weight of any goods carried shall be included, and a weight of one hundred and forty pounds shall be reckoned for the driver and conductor (if any) and for each passenger.

9. Clearance.—All the underparts of the vehicle inside the pivots of the front axle and steering arms, as far back at least as fourteen feet six inches from the front of the vehicle (or up to, but not including, the back axle, if the back axle is nearer than fourteen feet six inches) shall clear the ground by at least ten inches; sufficient allowance in addition being made to provide for the wear of the tyres, set of the springs, or other causes of lessened height, so that the minimum clearance of ten inches shall be at all times maintained.

10. Turning Circle.—The vehicle shall be able to turn in either direction in a circle not exceeding sixty-five feet in diameter, as determined by the extreme wheel track.

11. Machinery, Body and Fittings.—(a) The body of the vehicle shall be securely affixed to the chassis.

(b) The machinery, body and fittings shall be in a good state of repair, so that no undue noise or vibration arises from them.

12. Lock Nuts.—All parts of the chassis which are subject to severe vibration and are connected by bolts or studs and nuts shall be fastened by lock nuts, or by nuts and efficient spring or lock nut washers, or by castellated nuts and split pins, so as to prevent their working or coming loose.

13. Hub-Caps.—Hub-caps shall not project more than three and one-half inches beyond the rim of the wheel.

14. Guard for Sprocket.—Driving chains and sprockets shall be protected by suitable guards.

15. Grease Dropping.—The chassis shall be so constructed as to prevent oil or grease from the bearings or other parts dropping on to the roadway.

16. Insulation.—All electric leads shall be adequately insulated and protected against injury and so placed as not to be a cause of danger.

17. Inflammable Fittings.—Celluloid or other inflammable fittings shall not be used inside or outside the vehicle, but this requirement shall not apply to accumulator cells.

18. Gas Containers.—Where acetylene or other gas is used for lighting purposes, the cylinders or vessels which contain the gas, or in which it is generated, shall be fixed outside the body, and in such a position as to be as far removed as possible from the danger of accidental ignition or damage by impact.

19. Carburettors.—Carburettors or other petrol receptacles shall be suitably encased or screened, or so placed that no leakage from them shall fall upon any magneto, or on any connections or wires carrying electric current.

20. Fuel Tanks.—(a) Fuel tanks shall be so placed that any overflow shall not fall upon any woodwork or accumulate in any place where it is likely to be readily ignited.

(b) A cock shall be provided on the petrol supply pipe in such a position as to be visible and readily accessible at all times from outside the vehicle to shut off the main supply.

(c) The filling point shall be outside the body of the vehicle and the filler caps of all petrol tanks shall be tightly fixed in position. The vent hole (if any) shall be protected from danger of fire penetration, and shall be so designed as to prevent petrol being splashed over.

21. Exhaust Pipe.—The exhaust pipe shall not be fixed in such a position that oil or any vaporisable or inflammable material is likely to be dropped upon it. Effective means shall be adopted to prevent the heat of the motor, generator or the exhaust pipe and its connections from injuriously affecting any parts of the vehicle or the comfort of the passengers.

22. Steering Arms and Connections.—(a) The ball and socket joints of steering connections, when such are used, shall not be pendent, and the longitudinal or transverse rods shall be carried upon the ball.

(b) All steering connections secured with bolts or pins shall have such bolts threaded and fitted with nuts, which shall be locked or pinned.

(c) The steering gear, including the arms and other connection thereof, shall be of ample strength, shall be maintained in effective condition, and as far as possible shall be protected from damage by collision.

23. Brakes.—(a) Brakes shall be of sufficient strength and be capable of stopping and holding the vehicle under all conditions.

(b) There shall be at least two independent brakes, the application of either of which shall be capable of causing the two rear wheels to be so held as effectually to prevent the wheels from revolving or shall have the same effect in stopping the vehicle as if such wheels were so held.

(c) Brakes shall not be deemed independent which are operated by pedals or levers acting through the same connections or upon the same brake blocks. One brake shall be applied by a pedal, and at least one brake shall act directly upon the road wheels without any connection with the propelling gear.

(d) The operation of either brake shall be such as not in any case to declutch the engine from the transmission gear.

(e) The brake gear shall be properly adjusted and nothing shall be placed on the vehicle which shall prevent easy access to the brakes for adjustment.

(f) All brake connections, secured with bolts or pins, shall have such bolts threaded and fitted with nuts, which shall be locked or pinned.

24. Springs.—(a) Rear—The rear springs shall be attached to, or bear upon, the back axle or axle casing as near to the road wheels as possible, and the distance from outside to outside shall not be less than one-half of the overall width of the vehicle.

(b) Front—Front springs other than cross springs shall be as wide apart as possible and not less wide apart than thirty-seven per cent. of the overall width of the vehicle from outside to outside, but if the width of the rear springs from outside to outside is fifty-three per cent. of the overall width of the vehicle or more, the minimum width between the front springs as provided above may be reduced by one inch.

(c) Cross—Cross springs shall not be used on any vehicle seating more than fourteen persons, exclusive of the driver and conductor (if any).

25. Diameter of Tyres.—When the axleweight on any axle exceeds four tons, the diameter of the tyres on the wheels of such axle shall not be less than 1,010 millimetres where the tyres are not pneumatic, and not less than 950 millimetres where the tyres are pneumatic.

26. Hoods.— (a) When extended or raised, the height of a moveable hood from the floor shall not be less than five feet at the centre line of the vehicle, except over the driver's seat.

(b) A moveable hood shall be efficiently stayed and easily adjustable.

27. Wind Screens.—Front glass wind screens (if any) shall be securely fastened to the body of the vehicle, and be of such a size and construction that the view of the driver shall at all times and under all conditions be clear and unobstructed. Adjustable sections (if any) shall be provided with adequate locking or fixing devices.

28. Lifeguards.—Vehicles which are not fitted with "running boards" or the equivalent, and are so constructed as to leave the space between the front and rear wheels unguarded, shall be fitted with guard rails so as to guard that space effectively.

29. Mud Guards.—Adequate mudguards shall be provided above and around the back and front of each wheel to prevent mud-splashing as far as practicable.

30. Window Rails.—When the side lights are made to be lowered, provision shall be made (by means of guard rails or by limiting the extent to which the lights may be lowered or otherwise) to prevent the arms of seated passengers from being thrust through and injured by passing vehicles.

31. Pillars.—All body pillars shall be of sufficient strength and shall have the joints properly made and all parts liable to severe stress properly ironed and stayed.

32. Floor Boards.—(a) Floor boards shall be strong and well fitted; and where they are intended to be lifted, shall be provided with properly hinged sunk lifting rings for the purpose.

(b) Holes not exceeding one inch in diameter may be bored in floor boards for drainage purposes, but shall be prohibited for any other purpose.

33. Ventilation.—There shall be adequate ventilation without the necessity for opening the main windows.

34. Lighting.—(a) An enclosed vehicle shall be suitably lighted so far as the interior is concerned, and at every other necessary point in a manner sufficient to provide for the safety of the passengers.

(b) Internal lighting shall be masked so as not to interfere with the vision of the driver.

(c) No front light other than a white light shall be carried on the wings or sides. A coloured light other than a red light may be carried in front in a central position as near as conveniently possible to the roof of the vehicle.

35. Cushions.—Where cushions are provided they shall be kept clean and be maintained in a good state of repair.

36. Entrances and Exits.—(a) Where the vehicle is fitted with a permanent roof and the entrance is not behind and clear of the rear wheels, an emergency door opening outwards shall be provided behind and clear of the rear wheels. Such emergency door shall be easily accessible to the passengers, and shall be so fastened as to be readily opened in cases of need both from the inside and from the outside.

(b) Direct access to the driver's seat from the offside shall be provided when there are seats for passengers on his left side.

(c) Door handles or levers to door catches shall be securely fixed in such a manner that they cannot become dislodged or rendered inoperative by accidental manipulation. Except in regard to the emergency door referred to above, if the handles or levers are on top of or inside the doors, double locks, safety catches or straps or some other form of additional fastening shall be provided.

(d) A fixed handle, bar or rail shall be fitted to each doorway to assist passengers in mounting or alighting from the vehicle.

(e) No doorway shall be less than eighteen inches in width, and if the door does not open to the full extent of the doorway, it shall open to the extent of at least eighteen inches.

37. Steps.—(a) The lowest step for entrance to the vehicle shall not be more than fifteen inches nor less than ten inches above the ground.

(b) Non-slip treads shall be fitted to each step of each doorway, and the treads shall be level.

38. Fire Extinguishers.—At least one suitable and proper fire extinguisher shall be carried in such a position as to be readily available for use.

39. Position of Driver.—The steering pillar shall be on the right-hand side of the chassis, and the driver's seat shall be so placed as to permit him to give by hand the usual traffic signals on the off-side of the vehicle.

40. Mirrors.—The vehicle shall be fitted with a reflecting mirror so constructed and fixed and of such a character as will enable the driver to perceive the approach of any vehicle proceeding in the same direction and overtaking the vehicle.

41. Driver.—(a) No passenger shall be permitted to sit or stand on the right-hand side of the driver.

(b) In the case of a vehicle fitted with a permanent roof, the driver's seat shall be so enclosed as to isolate the driver from the passengers. In the case of any other vehicle, where accommodation is provided for passengers on the left-hand side of the driver, a space of at least eighteen inches from the centre of the steering column to the left thereof shall be reserved for the driver, and shall be divided off from such passengers by means of a solid partition at least nine inches high and extending the whole width of the seat.

(c) Nothing shall be placed or permitted on the vehicle which will interfere with the driver's free signalling by hand, whether or not the vehicle is fitted with a mechanical signalling contrivance.

42. The following regulations shall apply to a double deck vehicle only:—

43. Distribution of Seats.—The ratio of the passenger seating capacity of the upper deck to that of the lower deck shall not exceed eight to seven.

44. Guard Rails.—The top of the side guard rail shall be at least three feet from the top of the roof battens at the side, and eighteen inches above the highest part of the seat. The front and back rails shall follow the camber of the roof and shall be at least three feet three inches high when measured from the top of the roof battens.

45. Step Risers.—The risers of all steps leading from the lower to the upper deck shall be closed and the treads of all steps fitted with a non-slip form of tread.

46. Aperture at Landing Board.—No aperture shall be left at the top landing board through which a passenger might inadvertently step.

47. Height.—From the ground to the highest point of the roof of the lower deck the height shall not be greater than nine feet three inches.

48. Platforms.—The length of the platform, if at the rear, shall not be less than thirty-six inches. If the platform is not at the rear then the length shall in no case be less than thirty inches.

49.— Staircase Screen.—The outer stringer of the staircase shall be constructed, or a band shall be so placed, as to act as a screen to persons ascending or descending.