STREET TRAFFIC

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 75, 22 December 1919, Page 6

STREET TRAFFIC

REGULATION IN AMERICA, The maimer in which street traffic is controlled in America impressed the Mayor of Auckland, Mr, J. H. Gunson, during his recent visit to that country. Discussing the nutter yilh a "Herald" reporter. he said the underlying principle was co-operation ljy I lie public and obliging nrd willing service by the officials. There was also a tolerance in regard to small infringements which prevented their repetition. Mr. Gunson said the motor-car traffic in America was so enormous that it claimed first consideration. What were known as "parking" facilities, by which cars or any other vehicles were allowed to remain on the sides of streets, and in a few cases in the centre, were the chief feature. In many cases these were marked off. This concession was marie 011 the ground that the motor traffic was essential to business, and that reasonable facilities must bo provided io meet if. 111 the busiest thoroughfares the limit of time which was allowed for cars and other vehicles to remain in the "parks" was generally 10 minutes. In secondary streets, 'where 110 interruption to traffic was entailed, 110 restrictions ■»ere imposed, which was a great benefit to the public. The safety zones, or protected areas, for tramway passengers alighting from or entering a car were a great success in the United States, said Mr. Gunson. They might with advantage bo introduced in. Auckland, he thought. It was an offence for anyone to drive in or across these areas.' To the matters of expectoration in streets, and street cleanliness, great attention was paid. On the whole the sanitary conditions of Auckland compared favourably with the large cities abroad.