ROAD PLANNING

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20957, 9 November 1939, Page 9

ROAD PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION FOR SAFETY MOTORISTS’ SUGGESTIONS i Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Thursday The recommendations made concerning main highways by the touring manager of the Automobile Association (Auckland), Mr R. E. Champtaloup, following his recent tour abroad, were reviewed in a report by the service committee, submitted to a meeting of the association last night. As a result the association is to make important suggestions to the authorities relating to the future planning and construction of arterial main highways in New Zealand.

The association again advocated that New Zealand should plan future roads on more progressive lines than at present, and that there should be no main outlet from Auckland which did not provide for the free flow of traffic unhampered by congested areas for at least 20 to 25 miles. The touring manager was instructed to advise on any specifications j\r highway construction which wq-e! not up to modem standard. Two-track Sealing Safety measures on main highways were recommended in thf» form of a wide central strip of shrubbery or grass on roads with frequent intersections, but a narrow strip pn roads without intersections. A suggested system of one-track sealed roads with provision for passing at intervals was not approved, it being recommended that all roads permanently constructed should have twotrack sealing. It was decided to ascertain whether the Transport Department proposed to continue with the making of an instructional film on the use of pedestrian crossings, and if not, whether it would subsidise the association in the production of such a film. The provision of pedestrial islands in suitable locations was recommended, but parking meters were not approved. Alternate Parking “In townships where parking on both sides of the streets creates congestion, parking on one side on alternate days would not give rise to any objection on the part of motorists,” the report stated, commenting on the British principle of parking—on one side of the street on the even days and on the other side on the odd days.

Enforcement of the regulation prohibiting the sounding of motor horns in certain city areas by day and night was urged. It was also decided that the North Island Motor Union should consider recommending that exhaust pipes on Diesel buses should be fitted so as to carry the gases up to the top of the vehicles. Roadside beautification was also advocated, and it was decided that the Main Highways Board should undertake such work as part of its routine policy.