TRAFFIC CONTROL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 84, 21 January 1936, Page 8

TRAFFIC CONTROL

THE LACK IN ASHBURTON. PARKING DESCRIBED AS “CRIMINAL.” UNIFORMED OFFICER NEEDED. Tho lack of Ira flic contiol and the number and frequency of offences against tlic by-laws in Ashburton were the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Borough Council last evening, when one member said that the way in which offences against the parking Jaws were permitted was “criminal.”

The subject was referred to by Mr F. J. E. who said there was a definite and very serious luck of traffic control in . the Borough. There were about 27U0 registered motor vehicles in the area and something would liavo to be done to adequately control their movements. Tho time had come, ho thought, when there should ho a uniformed traffic inspector hero, and he felt it would not be long before the Government stepped in and compelled the Council to take measures to ensure the enforcement of tho regulations. The state in which the traffic was at present must soon impress itself upon tho authorities, and there was nothing surer than that they would ask for something to he done. The authorities must have seen how cars were permitted to go through the main street at 30, 40, and even 50 miles an hour without hindrance. Mr J. Thompson supported these views and referred to the manner . in which care were permitted to he parked in the business area. “It is criminal. the way they are allowed to be left.” he added. He agreed that there should ho a uniformed officer in charge of tho traffic in Ashburton, and said: “It is about ten years since we had a prosecution against an offending motorist. I do not believe in harassing drivers, but offenders must be brought to heel.”

Mr Smallbono said there was in his remarks no reflection on the present Inspector, who Jiad so many duties to perform that he was more like o Borough Engineer than an Inspector. Mr IT. R. C. McEilrea: This question is already under consideration by tho By-Laws Committee, and it is sub judice. The Mayor (Mr W. 11. Wooods) said that tho present was the wrong time to be going into the question. It would have to come up at the end of the financial year, when the estimates were being framed. There had been a good deal of comment lately regarding the definite improvement there had been in traffic control in the Borough since the new control lines were put down by the Council.

Mr R. Kerr said that some of the parking areas were very poorly lighted, and mentioned that near the Majestic Theatre, where an accident occurred on Saturday night through the poor light shining at that , point. He suggested that the Lighting Committee should view the parking places at night with the object of bringing about some improvement.