PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 190, 14 August 1939, Page 6

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.

In a recent issue of the "Star" there wa* a reported remark of Mr. A. M. Seaman abont the danger to pedestrians at the crossing, opposite the Ferry Building, and he -was I ported by Mr. Gainor Jackson. Reference was made to the unintelligent control of traffic at this point by traffic officers, and I suggest that an apology is due to two of the most efficient and courteous officers in a staff that is noted for those qualities. They are men who have studied the traffic, both motor and pedestrian, at this particular point and do their best in the interest of the general public, but they cannot perform miracles, and if pedestrians, either from folly, ignorance or obstinacy, refuse to be guided by the clear signals given by these men, it is surely not the fault of •the officer. I should like to see either Mr. Seaman or Mr. Jackson try, if only for half an hour, the almost impossible task of making pedestrians show a regard for their own safety. What is the cause of the trouble? The public have become accustomed to think that where there is a pedestrian crossing they are entitled to cross the road without regard to the pointsman s signals. Generally this is so, but it is laid down that where a pointsman is on duty all must conform to 'his signals, but at this spot the motorist obeys (or gets a summons), and the pedestrian not only ignores •the signals, but, by stepping in front of a motor car that has'got the officer's "all clear," actually cancels the command of the officer and forces the motorist to disobey the signal he lias received. We have not yet seen a case of a. pedestrian being- charged with interfering with the officer in charge, hut we are not without hope. The City Council is partly to blame because at all other points where an officer is in charge the zig-zag lines have been removed and confusion is bound to arise until •the lines are removed at this point also. I understand that an offer has been made to install an electric sign on both sides of the road at this danger spot. It could be operated by the pointsman's foot and would show "Pedestrians Stop" in red or "Pedestrians Go" in green lights. This would be a great help, and pedestrians might, in time, be educated to pay attention to it. A. S. AXSTISS.