STOP!

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 98, 1 June 1914, Page 5

STOP!

LOOK OUT FOR THE ENGINE.

GUARDING- LEVEL CROSSINGS.

The comparative frequency of level crossing fatalities lias induced the Railway Department to endeavour to devise some method which will at least give a warning to people who are approaching these crossings. v If forewarned is forearmed, there should be a reduction in this class of casualties after the new scheme is in operation. The Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herries) has written to a num-;| ber of local bodies, drawing their atteii-: tion to the regulations applying to traffic over level crossings. These require drivers of motor driven vehicles to slacken speed to 10 miles an hour when within 100 yds of a crossing, and to stop before coining into contact with the line. The drivers are also required to keep a vigilant lookout for approaching trains, not to pass over the crossing at a greater speed than 10 miles, an hour, and not until the line is clear. The -Railway Department is now pre- J pared to supply warning boards, of a distinctive character, and to erect them at crossings on main roads. It is proposed to erect them at a distance of from 150 to 200 yards from the crossing, and they will serve to indicate to the users the fact that they are near the level 'crossing. The local bodies will be asked to maintain the boards in good order and efficient repair.