EARLY TRAFFIC LIGHTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 July 1938, Page 5

EARLY TRAFFIC LIGHTS

A LONDON INVENTION. The “Stop and Go” traffic signal systems which are now helpful in controlling traffic in most of the leading cities of the world are generally credited with having been originated in U.S.A. The modern electric “Stop and Go” traffic light no doubt was developed in America, but a gas-operated semaphore and light system was used in London as far back as 70 years ago. As evidence of this fact, a London weekly recently reproduced in its columns a “Police Notice” poster, issued over the name of Richard Mayne, who was Commissioner of Police in England at that period. The poster depics the top of a lamp post carrying two semaphore arms, which, in a lowered position signified "Caution,” and by night displayed a green light. When the semaphore arms were extended at right angles, “Stop” was signalled, and a red light displayed. A policeman was always stationed near the signal post, so that he could take up its duties should it fail to work, which evidently frequently occurred. The instructions set out on the “Police Notice” are interesting, in view of present-day precautions, at city crossings. Under the illustrations of the signal, shown at “Caution” and also at “Stop,” was set out in bold type: “By the signal ‘Caution’ all persons in charge of vehicles and horses are warned to pass over the crossing with care and due regard to the safety of foot passengers. The signal ‘Stop’ will only be displayed when it is necessary that vehicles and horses shall be actually stopped each side of the crossing to allow the passage of persons on foot; notice being thus given to all persons in charge of vehicles and horses to stop clear of the crossing.” From this it will be seen that London had its traffic problems even away back in 1868.