Red Flag Act

The Red Flag Act, also referred to as the Locomotive Act, was put into effect by the British Parliament to bring order to the use of self-propelled machines, known as steam engines, on British roads during the 19th century.

Background

The early 19th century in Europe brought major technological advances in the design of the combustion engine. Government regulation was inevitable because of opposition from competitors, such as horse-drawn coach companies.

Regulations

The Red Flag Act limited the speed limit to 4 miles per hour in the country and 2 miles per hour in towns. Additionally, the legislation called for a man carrying a red flag to walk 60 yards ahead of each self-propelled machine in order to alert passing horse riders and horse-drawn carriages that the machine was present.

Impact

As a result of the stiff regulations imposed by the new legislation, both industrial opportunity and technological progress were limited in Great Britain during the middle to late 19th century.

Subsequent Legislation

In 1878, the Locomotive Amendment Act was passed, giving local governments the option to exclude the red flag. The new amendment also reduced the distance of warning ahead of the machine to 20 yards.

Repeal

In 1895, the Locomotives on Highways Act was implemented, repealing previous legislation. Under the 1895 legislation, these machines were only required to carry a bell to warn of an approaching human being, and the speed limit was increased to 14 mph.

References

• NationMaster.com
• DOE
• cybersteering.com