CONTROL OF TRAFFIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 785, 4 October 1929, Page 16

CONTROL OF TRAFFIC

NEW SYSTEM ADVOCATED SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS _ Automatic traffic control, botb of pedestrians aud vehicles, on the lines of the practice in Melbourne, was a proposal submitted to the City Council last evening by Cr. G. G. Ashley, who has recently returned from a visit to Australia. “Close observation of the simplicity and efficiency of the system caused me to pursue inquiries with both the Melbourne Town Council and the Tramways Board as to their approval or otherwise of the system, and in each case my inquiries resulted in wholehearted approval being expressed as to its utilitj- and efficiency,” said Cr. Ashley. Cr. Ashley was impressed by the fact that pedestrian traffic was, equally taken care of at these crossings. On a green light appearing, pedestrians would cross with the assurance of perfect safety for a given period. This w-as a grave defect of the Auckland system, as the traffic officer was concerned only with vehicles, and pedestrians have to run the gauntlet. “I am not suggesting that the particular system used in Melbourne is necessarily the best that can he adopted,” remarked Cr. Ashley, “but I do suggest that some similar system is well worth adoption at some points in our city, and would point out that here is a tried system in operation in a big city that has been found satisfactory and Worth extending.” On the motion of the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, Cr. Ashley was accorded a vote of thanks. The matter was referred to the Legal and Bj'-laws Committee for report. To Cr. Grey Campbell, his Worship said some form of automatic control had been before the committee, but nothing had yet been recommended.