Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1914, No. 169, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913, addresses the problem of aerial lines crossing telegraph lines without causing interference or danger to telegraph services. Enacted by Sir Arthur Stanley, the Governor of the State of Victoria and its Dependencies, acting as the Deputy of the Governor-General, this legislation aims to ensure that aerial lines are kept at a safe distance from telegraph lines. The policy objective is to protect the integrity of telegraph lines while permitting the necessary crossings of aerial lines, provided that they do not compromise the functionality of the telegraph system. This legislative instrument amends the Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations 1913, introducing new conditions for the crossing of aerial lines by telegraph lines, thereby maintaining the safety and efficiency of both services.

Scope and Application

The regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913 pertains to the erection of aerial lines, specifically focusing on their intersection with telegraph lines. It applies to any person or entity responsible for the installation of aerial lines that cross telegraph lines within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation sets forth detailed provisions for both aerial lines carrying up to 650 volts and those carrying more than 650 volts, detailing the permissible distances and methods of crossing. It extends to any aerial line that intersects with telegraph lines, ensuring these lines do not interfere with telegraph communications. The regulation mandates that aerial lines must be kept at least 2 feet away from telegraph lines when passing over or under them and stipulates conditions for crossings at angles in streets or roads. Additionally, it imposes stricter separation requirements for lines carrying more than 650 volts, with a minimum distance of 4 feet between the lines and a 10-foot clearance from any pole of the Postmaster-General. The authority to grant permission for deviations from these requirements lies with the Postmaster-General, who must be satisfied that the works will not be injuriously affected. The regulation also includes provisions for preventing aerial lines from coming into contact with telegraph lines through the use of approved guard wires or alternative methods approved by the Postmaster-General. This regulation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this regulation concern the installation and crossing of aerial lines with telegraph lines and streets or roads. According to Regulation 38(1), aerial lines carrying up to 650 volts can either pass over or under telegraph lines if they maintain a clearance of at least 2 feet in all directions. If passing over or under is not feasible, the Postmaster-General or an authorized officer may grant permission for the lines to pass between the telegraph lines, subject to special conditions. For aerial lines carrying more than 650 volts, Regulation 38(2) mandates that they must cross above the telegraph wires, and the crossing must be to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General. The distance between the two systems must be at least 4 feet, and poles of the Postmaster-General must be at least 10 feet away from any wire of the electric authorities. Regulation 38(3) stipulates that when aerial lines cross a street or road, they must do so at an angle of at least 60 degrees to the direction of the street or road. Finally, Regulation 38(4) requires that aerial lines be prevented from contacting the lines of the Postmaster-General using approved guard wires efficiently connected to the earth or another method approved by the Postmaster-General. The obligations imposed by this regulation on parties or entities include ensuring that aerial lines are installed in a manner that does not interfere with telegraph lines or pose a risk to the public. This includes maintaining specified clearances, obtaining necessary permissions, and implementing appropriate safeguards to prevent contact between the aerial lines and telegraph lines. The regulation also imposes a duty on the Postmaster-General or an authorized officer to review applications for permission to cross telegraph lines and to set conditions for such crossings if approved. Breaches of this regulation can result in civil or criminal consequences. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the text provided, non-compliance with the specified clearances, permission requirements, or installation standards could potentially lead to fines, enforcement actions, or other legal repercussions as determined by relevant authorities. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the applicable laws in force at the time of the offence.