TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 77, 1 April 1940, Page 8

TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

IN USE THIS YEAR.

CHANGE IN AUCKLAND.

TEN AUTOMATIC SIGNALS

Auckland should have automatic traffic signals installed at a number of important city street intersection* before the cr.<l of the present year, according to Mr. W. R, Fee, chairman of the traffic committee of the City Council, who returned to Auckland this morning by the Monterey from Australia. "While in Melbourne he interviewed representatives of British manufacturers of the signal equipment and was assured that there would be no difficulties in the way of supplying the equipment promptly when an order was placed, provided the council could secure a permit to import. He was informed that the present was a favourable time to obtain the eiguak on

advantageous terms.

Specifications, including traffic cliecks, for ten signals, three for Queen Street intersections, at Quay Street, Sliortland Street and Victoria Street, one for the top of Khyber Pass and SymoiuU Street, and another for the PittStrectKarangahape Road point, were delivered by Mr. Fee.

"I am more convinced than ever that automatic signals are the only solution of the pedestrian problem in Auckland,' , he said. "In Melbourne every congested intersection is controlled in this way and not once did I see anyone walk across the street against the warning of the red light. The traffic is far heavier than in Auckland and our trafia; problems appear simple by comparison."

The cost should come well within the original estimate of £14,000 for the signals, he added, although it was unlikely to be as low as the figure of £800 per signal recently paid by the Sydney City Council for equipment made in Australia.

The Customs Street and Wellcsjey Street intersections in Auckland could not be adapted immediately to automatic control, Mr. Fee stated, owing to the faet that the trams turned across the flow of traffic at these points. Rerouting of the trams would be necessary before the change was made, and this was a matter for the Auckland Transport Board.