RAILWAY CROSSINGS

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24370, 23 September 1944, Page 8

RAILWAY CROSSINGS

NEW SAFETY DEVICE IN UNITED STATES

Information concerning the use of stop gates at railway crossings in the United States indicated that a type which was designed to operate automatically in conjunction with flashing light signals was given to the South Island Motor Union, which met in conference in Christchurch yesterday, by Mr M. H. Wynyard, motorists’ representative on the Main Highways Board. This system had recently been investigated by an official of the Public Works Department in the United States, and favourably commented upon as an efficient protective device at railway crossings. “It is not claimed that this -type would merit adoption at all railway crossings,” said Mr Wynyard, “as the elimination of many crossings by overbridges or subways is preferable, particularly where train and highway traffic is heavy, and visibility is restricted.”

An installation made in 1936 at an 'American crossing which had shown 13 deaths and two injuries in the preceding five years had resulted in no accidents in the next four years. “Results, generally speaking, are satisfactory,” said Mr Wynyard. In view of information already acquired, he added, the Main Highways Board decided to make further investigation as to the extension of the adoption of this new device to New Zealand.