STREET-LIGHT TRIAL

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 54, 19 March 1937, Page 5

STREET-LIGHT TRIAL

Sodium Lamps Installed in Hastings UNUSUAL EFFECT An interesting experiment in street lighting is at present being carried out by the Hawke's Bay Electric Power Board in Heretaunga street east, Hastings. Three of the sodium flood lights, similar to those installed in the main street of Devonport and in other parts of New Zealand, have been placed at intersections and their effect on lighting and traffic is being noted by Power Board and other officials. The intersections selected are those where Park road, Selwyn road and Terrace road join Heretaunga street, and the lights have been placed at varying heights so as to provide an indication of the beam that the lights throw on the street, Considerable curiosity in the lamps has yeen aroused, not only by motorists but passers-by. The lamps, which are of the flood type, throw a yellow light which has a ghastly effect on the faces of people and shadows cast on the bitumen surface have an awe-inspirmg blood-like colour. An observation of the traffic in this vicinity last evening showed that vehieular traffic slowed up when approaching the three intersections, drivers opparently being uncertain as to what was giving the corners stuch bright illumination. The effect on headlights was very noticeable, there being no glare while the vehicles were passing through the area lit up by the lamps.