Ask Ponch

[plonky]

One quick question here, ehy does everybody in Austrailia drive on the wrong side?

Well it's not a silly question at all.

As a matter of fact you would be surprised to know that all of you who drive on the wrong side of the road would be wiped out by the Roman Legions.

Australia adopted the Right Hand Drive car (left side of the road) due to our British heritage. The British mandated that they drive on the left hand side of the road because that is exactly what the Roman Legions did. This was another legacy of the Roman occupation of Britain.

The Roman Legions always marched on the left side of the road, Cavalry overtook the Legionaires on the right side, and assumed their position back on the left side of the roads.

This was important as Roman troops would march forward to replace the troops they were relieving and often they would have two groups marching towards each other and therefore there was no SNAFU'ing when it came to pas each other as both columns knew what side of the road to march on.

So there you go, the reason why everybody else drives on the wrong side of the road in the World now is it was a direct protest against the British Empire which was the largest Empire the world has known. Once countries were no longer under British control they stamped their own mark on the way they travel throughout their country.

[Guest underpsi]

Same reason why we race counter clockwise, horses, track and field, NASCAR. Them damn Pommies!

[KEN 24T]

... Them damn Pommies!

I'm starting to "warm" to you Utah.

[plonky]

I have a great admiration for the British!!

I also have a great admiration for the Germans.

However, the French are 'persona non gratis' in my estimation.

As General Schwarzkopf said " Going to war without the French is like going duck hunting without you piano accordian"

[Guest AussieCJ7]

Great idea for a thread

One I am not clear on since they tried to make the states common road rules.

U turn at traffic lights where it is legal to make a right turn ?? legal or not ??

Also a question vehical road worthy type

Is there a maximum height that a number plate can be mounted ?? I get too much angst from the boys in blue in the factory mount spot due to the fact it is hard to see (fair enough) but the only other spot to mount it is in the middle of the spare tyre mounted on the rear tailgate (it is not a fine XR )

[plonky]

Great idea for a thread

One I am not clear on since they tried to make the states common road rules.

U turn at traffic lights where it is legal to make a right turn ?? legal or not ??

Also a question vehical road worthy type

Is there a maximum height that a number plate can be mounted ?? I get too much angst from the boys in blue in the factory mount spot due to the fact it is hard to see (fair enough) but the only other spot to mount it is in the middle of the spare tyre mounted on the rear tailgate (it is not a fine XR )

A U turn is NOT permitted at traffic lights UNLESS there is a sign indicating U Turns permitted.

The number plate must be affixed so that is clear from a distance of 20 metres at an angle of 45 degrees.

Manufacturers put a plate holder on their vehicles so that it complies with the legislation however accessories can make the plate unreadable as per the legislation.

An example s the onwards Ford ute.

The number plate is affixed to one side and it can be seen , but once a gooseneck and towball is fitted the number plate can;t be seen at a distance of 20m's at an angle of 45 degrees, therefore it is an infringement.

If the towbar is not in use, it should be removed or move the plate to a position where it can be seen.

Painful but true.

[Redhawk]

... Them damn Pommies!

I'm starting to "warm" to you Utah.

WOTCH IT MATE!!!!! :(

Don't encourage the bleedin yank.......

By the way Spencer, the stickers were posted off yesterday 6th Nov.

Adding to plonky's explanation, the Romans also kept to the left so their weapons, swords etc; could be pulled out and used freely.

And if you think about it the humble pommie farmer pulling his little wagon to market he can't expect an occupying force of say 100 or so soldiers to move out of his way, so it made sense to stay on the same side as them (no pun intended).

[plonky]

See, it's not only Police that have a good grasp on history, general knowledge and common sense. LOL

Well done Redhawk I completely forgot about that!

[Antisocial]

Thanks Ponch, that was an excellent and comprehensive explanation to something that always perplexed me....I will sleep better at night thanks to you.

[Guest P'cisT]

A U turn is NOT permitted at traffic lights UNLESS there is a sign indicating U Turns permitted

I remember reading RACV magazine that this was opposite in Victoria.

You can make a U-turn anywhere except where it says "No U-turn Permitted" or has that symbol.