LEVEL CROSSINGS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1257, 11 June 1914, Page 3

LEVEL CROSSINGS.

At Monday night’s Borough Council meeting a circular letter was read from the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herries), containing the new regulations in connection with the speed at which motor-cars must approach and cross level railway crossings. These provide that persons driving motor-cars shall, when approaching crossings, slacken speed when within 10U yards to a rate not exceeding ten miles per hour, and shall stop before coming into contact with the railway line, A vigilant lookout shall be kept by the motorist, who shall not attempt to cross unless the line is clear, and then only at a speed not exceeding ten miles an hour. The Railway Departmet. it is stated, is prepared to supply warning boards of a distinctive character, for arection, 100 yards or 200 yards away from the crossing. These boards consist of two crossed boards, with the words “Railway Crossing,’’ in loin, letters.

It was not obligatory on the Railway Department, stated the Minister, to erect these noticeboards, but as the advent of motor-driven vehicles had completely altered road traction, the Department had deeided to invite local bodies to co-operate in endeavouring to render travel along main roads intersecting railways as safe as possible. The Department would erect the boards in suitable positions, provided the local bodies agreed to afterwards maintain them in good repair. The Minister expressed the hope that Councils will recognise that in the interests of the general public co-operation with the Railway Department is desirable. The Mayor said he did not think the remedy suggested — notice boards, would be very effective. Instead of these automatic signals should be installed. No doubt this matter would be discussed at the Municipal Conference, and in view of this he thought it would not be advisable to take any action at present

The suggestion met with the approval of the Council and no action was taken.