Closed roads...

[slowpoke]

If a public road was closed wouldn't it just be a closed public road? My understanding would be that unless it's on private property then it's a public road, regardless of whether it has open access or not.

[Sanx]

You've answered your own question....
The law describes a public road as anywhere a vehicle can access without having to go through a locked gate into a fenced off area. Essentially.

Last trackday I went to, I could ride right onto the track without having to go through a locked gate (it was unlocked). Does that mean I should not do more than 100kph down the back straight at Taupo in case there's a cop with a laser gun? Come to think of it, my driveway is accessible from the road. Better make sure I wear my helmet when waddling the bike backwards out of the garage.</sarcasm>

well the question is for a number of situations.
Yes, one of them happens to be that there is a perfect peice of practice road right near my house.

Twas part of the road, then they rerouted it and left a few hundred meters with no way to get to it, asside from riding across some grass etc to get to it.

The fundamental principle underlining most legislation in this country is the principle of natural justice. Whilst the cops would certainly not hesitate in giving a ticket for playing around on such a piece of tarmac, I think you could reasonably claim that you were unaware this section of road did not form part of the highway network by dint of it not actually being connected to the rest of the country's roading network.

Having said all this, the Land Transport Act 1998 refers to 'roads'. The same act also sets down what it means by a 'road':

1. A street
2. A motorway
3. A beach
4. A place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not
5. All bridges, culverts, ferries, and fords forming part of a road or street or motorway, or a place referred to in paragraph (d)
6. All sites at which vehicles may be weighed for the purposes of this Act or any other enactment.

According to point 4, you're screwed. Bascially, the entire surface area of New Zealand is a road.

[peasea]

I rode with a mate along the causeways of some southern hydro scheme a while back and the sign said 'Private Road' etc etc. from that we assumed that the usual road rules didn't apply so we rode without helmets for a while. What a blast!

Do I get my ticket now or later?

Funny how it's only $150 to ride without a lid but $200 for no/wrong paperwork. (Like no rego..)

Which is more unsafe?

[McJim]

Funny how it's only $150 to ride without a lid but $200 for no/wrong paperwork. (Like no rego..)

Which is more unsafe?

Aha - the latter represents a gap in Helens coffers which is far more serious and valuable than the life of anyone in this fair land!

[mbazza]

Having read all this it looks like we just have to be 'good' everywhere! Cheersw.