TRAFFIC CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1926, Page 1

TRAFFIC CONTROL

UNIFORMITY OF SIGNALS. INSTRUCTIONS TO POLICE. WELLINGTON, April 26. Motor traffic lias become so important in the Dominion that the new Commissioner of Police, Air M’llveney, lias reviewed the whole position from the point of view of police control, ami has issued instructions to bis officers throughout the Dominion cancelling all previous regulations, and substituting one uniform system. Tlio signals which every police officer lias to memorise will he illustrated shortly for clearer guidance in the traffic control instructions circulated to all officers. Tlio Commissioner stresses the importance of giving definite signals or directions to drivers to prevent misunderstanding. to stand as far as possible in file centre of the intersection, and sec that ail vehicles pass in their turn at, reasonable speed, and that al public gatherings such as racecourses, vehicles set down and take up occupants in the proper order. Every endeavour is to he used hv the officers to give a clear passage to certain official vehicles, which are enumerated, and also medical practitioners hurrying to attend urgent professional calls, or lire brigades, or ambulances.

Tlie Commissioner lias adopted a set of traffic signals which will be uniform throughout New Zealand and Australia, these having been accepted at a conference of police officials of both countries.

The signals are as lollow: - I. —-Stop." Face The driver, ex-

tend one hand forward, slightly above the level of the head, the palm of the hand toward the driver of the vehicle, the fingers upwards and dose together. When the driver observes the signal, immediately turu and stop the traffic from the opposite direction in the same manner, at the same time extending the left arm. horizontally from the shoulder to prevent traffic behind the constable from moving until the release signal is given.

2. “Go.” If the signal is being given with the right- arm. extend the arm backwards at full length in lino with flic shoulder; make a

sweep forward and across until tlio hand almost touches file left- shoulder. The hand should be on Hie level of the shoulder throughout the motion. If the signal is being given with the left arm. extend the arm backwards in line with the shoulder and give a circular sweep forwards until the hand almost, touches the right shoulder, keeping the hand on the level of the shoulder throughout

the operation. Tho Commissioner adds that when directing civilians, particularly ladies, with regard to either vehicular or pedestrian traffic regulation, members of the Force should he extremely civil in manner and speech. The law requires to be enforced reasonably, hut firinlt . and with the greatest discretion. The main object is to induce the public, with as little friction as possible, to comply with its requirements, and to educate them as to what is necessary. Tlio proper performance of this duty dopends entirely upon the personality of tile constable, and be should use his best endeavours to act with tact, patience and good temper. When patrolling the streets members of the Force will comply with the bylaws. and request all other persons who are not doing so, to do the same.