Making For Safer Railway Crossings

Chronicle (Levin), 2 August 1949, Page 3

Making For Safer Railway Crossings

Press Association )

(Per

WUbBl^GTON, Aug. 1. Ways in which railway level crossings can be made safer, were discussed at a conference in Wellington today, called by the Commissioner of Transport, Mr Laurenson, who presided. The Railways Department, Municipal and Counties Associations, Main Highways Board and road users' organisations were represented. The conference decided that where a protective device apart from signs 4s necessary, the minimum standard should be flashing lights. American experience, it was stated, showed that these had a protective value five times as great as signs. The conference was told that bechuse of the urgent demand for other bridges on main roads, no railway crossings were likely to be bridged for at ieast five years. A suggestion was received from tne Engine Drivers, Firemen and Cleaners' Association, that all level crossings should be made compulsory stops. Delegates considered this impracticable and they decided that the number of compulsory stops should be reduced to a minimum but that restrictions on those left should be rigorously enforced. The warning signal and visibility of rail cars was considered and the Railways Department will bc asked to consider wliether a more noticeable colour and a more distinctive warning signal could be used. , The continued tise )f the St. Andrew 's cross as a warning sign,^ was approved but it was agreed more care - should be taken in siting ' some of these. A symbol sign submitted by the Automobile Association was approved for use as a supplementary warning sign where one was considered neces- , sary. It was also agreed that where practicable, a sign should be painted on the road surface.