MOTORS AND ROADS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4649, 16 January 1924, Page 1

MOTORS AND ROADS.

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS. The construction of roads in America and the almo'st remarkable control of the motor traffic there formed the subject of some interesting remarks made by Dr. H, T. J. Thacker to a Dominion reporter last week, when he stated that the expenditure of sending an engineer from every city in New Zeaahid to San Francisco would be more than reproductive.

The great construction of roads, said Dr. Thacker, was going on at wondeiful rate and the roads could only ba termed “ magnificent.” Corners were being “ cut ” and every conceivable form of improvement was being resorted to to assist- the road user. Signposts have even been erected with a number which, when referred to in the guide, gave all the information necessary.

In California, Southern California, and Los Angeles there were more motor-cars “to the square inch” than in any other country, and it was wonderful to see how the traffic was handled. At present they were aiming at doing away with human direction and replacing mechanical devices. In New York overhead lights were used effectively operated by a man on the side of the road. A green light meant “stop/’ a yellow light “ get ready to move on.” and a re-1 light ‘proceed.”

In Michigan Avenue Dr. Thacker drove along fifteen miles, and during the whole of that time there were motor cars four deep coming and going with practically no variation. Speed “ hogs ” were immediately overtaken, and, without trial, fined ami had licenses cancelled. In England it was good tp know that every driver of a motor car found to be under the influence of liquor was pulled up and imprisoned without the option.