300 VETOES

this bill would destroy the present uniform State-wide
regulations on the subject.

The principle of uniformity embodied in the present
Motor Vehicle Code is the result of a very thorough con-
sideration. It arose, at least in part, from complaints some
years ago about traps set for motorists in towns and villages
because of the varying speed limits.

Section 1 of Article 66 1/2 of the Annotated Code of Mary-
land (1951 Edition), dealing with applicability of the State
Motor Vehicle Code says in part:

"The provisions of this Article are intended to be
State-wide in their effect ..... are intended to be ex-
clusive of all local and municipal legislation or regu-
lations, upon the various subjects with which this
Article purports to deal, and all Public Local Laws,
Ordinances and Regulations inconsistent or identical
therewith or equivalent thereto are hereby repealed;
and the Charters of all Municipal Corporations of this
State are modified so as to prohibit such Corporations
from making or enforcing any ordinance or regulations
in violation of this Article ..... No provision of this
Article shall be deemed as repealed by any act hereafter
passed unless said provision is expressly referred to
and repealed in terms, or some other clear evidence
given of the intent on the part of the General Assembly
to change the policy of the State herein declared."

Under Section 151 of the Motor Vehicle Code, local au-
thorities, with respect to streets under their jurisdiction,
have the power to regulate parking, control traffic through
officers and traffic control devices, designate one-way roads
and "stop" streets, and regulate the speed and weight of
vehicles in public parks—thus specifically negating any
other local speed controls.

In the absence of any special hazard, speed limits in towns
and cities are established under Paragraph 176 (c) of Ar-
ticle 66 1/2 at 25 to 35 miles per hour, depending on popula-
tion density and whether or not the road is a dual lane high-
way. The maximum speeds do not relieve the driver of
the duty to operate at a lower speed when conditions require
it.

I am sure that the sponsors of this legislation are com-
pletely well-intentioned. However, I have received varying
reports as to the conditions which are allegedly sought to
be remedied by this Bill, and the actions which various
municipalities intend to take thereunder. I discern no use-