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John Arthur Burgar
John Arthur Burgar appeared in court and was fined for using illegal direction indicators.
This is a Guardian Newspaper (4th June 1952, page 8) report on his case.
I
llegal Traffic signals on carMotorist Fined 10s
After Councillor John A. Burgar (50). a motor elecrician of Deansgate. Manchester, had been fined 10s at Stockport yesterday for using an “illegal" traffic indicator, he gave a demonstration outside the court. “It is a very good idea, hundreds of motorists use them. The law ought to be changed." he said. He had pleaded not guilty.
An amber light is fitted to each side of his van. When he wishes to turn a corner he flicks on a switch and the appropriate side lamp flashes for a period, switching itself off automatically.
At the court hearing, Police-sergeant W. Holt said the automatic flashing lights were fitted on Burgar's van behind the drivers cab near the roof. Burgar, who demonstrated the lights to him said they had been recommended by several road safety committees
Mr T. Baldwjn, the chairman, saId that because of the circumstances a nominal fine would be imposed.
An official of the Automobile Association made this comment last night.
“Direction indicators are not compulsory, but if fitted and electrically operated they must be coloured amber, be of not less than six inches illuminated length and not more than one and a half inches in illuminated width. The lamp must give a steady light and be visible from both the front and the rear of the vehicle.”
“In our view flashing direction indicators have not yet been sufficiently tried in this country for a balanced opinion to be formed on their usefulness.”
“It appears however: that the well known semaphore type indicator has a number of advantages chief among which is the readiness with which it can be seen in daylight, particularly by sunlight and the fact that the driver himself can see whether or not the indicator is working.”
“It is not thought that many of the flashing light type are in use on cars permanently registered in this country."
It can be see that the AA was behind the times yet again.