Stage Coaches Act 1788 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for limiting the Number of Persons to be carried on the Outside of Stage Coaches or other Carriages. |
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| Citation | 28 Geo. 3. c. 57 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 25 June 1788 |
| Commencement | 1 November 1788 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Stage Coaches Act 1790 |
| Repealed by | Stage Coaches, etc. (Great Britain) Act 1810 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Stage Coaches Act 1788 (28 Geo. 3. c. 57) was an important law passed by the Parliament of Great Britain. A parliament is like a big meeting where elected people make rules for the country. This particular law was created to control how stagecoaches were used. Stagecoaches were like early buses that carried people and goods between towns. This Act officially started on 1 November 1788.
Contents
What Was the Stage Coaches Act 1788?
This law was made to make stagecoach travel safer. Before this Act, coaches often carried too many people. This could make them unstable and dangerous, especially on bumpy roads. The government wanted to prevent accidents and make sure everyone had a safer journey.
Rules for Stagecoach Passengers
The Act set clear rules about how many people could ride on a stagecoach. These rules applied to any coach or carriage that was used for hire, meaning people paid to ride on it.
- No more than six people were allowed to ride on the roof of the coach.
- No more than two people were allowed to ride on the box, which was the driver's seat area.
Penalties for Breaking the Rules
If a driver carried too many people, there were fines.
- The driver had to pay a fine of forty shillings for each extra person.
- If the driver also owned the coach, the fine was even higher: four pounds for each extra person.
- If the driver couldn't be found, the coach owner had to pay the forty-shilling fine for each extra person.
How the Act Changed Over Time
Laws can sometimes be updated or changed. The Stage Coaches Act 1788 was later made clearer by another law called the Stage Coaches Act 1790. This new law helped to explain any parts that were confusing.
Eventually, the Stage Coaches Act 1788 was completely cancelled. This happened because a new law, the Stage Coaches, etc. (Great Britain) Act 1810, replaced it. When a law is "repealed," it means it is no longer in effect. This often happens when newer, better laws are created to take their place.
