TRAFFIC RISKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 220, 18 September 1939, Page 3

TRAFFIC RISKS.

AMERICAN METHODS. CONTROL AND PARKING. REDUCING COLLISIONS. Automatic traffic control and parking meters are the two most important advances made to overcome traffic dangers, congestion and haphazard parking in the United States, according to Mr. K. C. Johnston, motor proprietor, of Auckland, who recently motored 4000 miles on the Pacific Coast. In Los Angeles, lie said, where the traffic was exceptionally heavy, the system of automatic lights now operating enabled vehicles to move quickly, smoothly and with few accidents. Traffic on main roads and streets had the right of way over all vehicles from side streets, and drivers entering main thoroughfares from either side were compelled to stop first. This practice was now general in America, and lie thought should be introduced in New Zealand t,o reduce the number of collisions at intersections. Parking meters installed in Portland were described by Mr. Johnston as the most effiicent system for the control of parking known. The charge was 10 cents an hour, and hundreds of meters were available for the use of motorists. The profit made in 18 months had been allocated for traffic improvement and had been sufficient to purchase six cars, equipped with two-way wireless, for traffic control. Mr. Johnston said an outstanding development in sightseeing in America was the building of air-conditioned charabancs, with a seating capacity of 40 people.