GLARE AT NIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 191, 15 August 1939, Page 12

GLARE AT NIGHT.

SODIUM LIGHTING.

SOUTH ROAD PROPOSALS.

MANY BODIES INTERESTED.

Because of the importance of highways illumination in relation to traffic safety, it is probable that the various interests involved in connection with the proposed improvements on the Great South Road, between Auckland and Papakura, will carefully investigate different types of lights and coste before the scheme is >put in hand. Besides the Main Highways Board, the Public Works Department, and the Auckland Electric Power Board, those concerned include half a dozen local authorities, and the Automobile Association. ' "Some of the street lighting systems around Auckland are a potential "danger to any driver on a wet night, and many would prefer to drive in a black-out than in the confusion and glare which exists," eaid Mr. J. Park, a member of the Auckland Power Board, when the matter was briefly discussed at the meeting of the board yesterday afternoon. "The motorists are very much cpncerned in the lighting of the Great South Road," commented Mr. F. M. Waters, chairman of the Manukau County Council, also a member of the board, who stated that the county controlled 80 per cent of the highway from Otahuhu to Papakura. Mr. S. Irwin Crookee suggested that in view of the predominant position of the County Council among the local authorities it should take the initiative and call a conference, and Mr. Waters stated that if necessary this would be done. Referring to the magnitude of the highway improvement proposals, Mr. Waters said it was estimated that £140,000 would be spent in widening, straightening, lighting and in other ways making the road safer for motor traffic. A beginning would be made in the One Tree Hill Borough between Ellerslie and Penrose, and the work would be pushed ahead as arrangements were completed. The discussion arose when a statement was made that eodium vapour lights had been favourably considered for the illumination of a portion of the highway, and the general manager of the Auckland Electric Power Board, Mr. R. H. Bartley, was asked to give his opinion. "Sodium lights are not the best type and are not the most economical," said Mr. Bartley. "It would be an unwise move to use such lights on the main highway. There are better installations which are considerably cheaper."