ROADING AND TRAFFIC

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28222, 9 March 1957, Page 4

ROADING AND TRAFFIC

OBSERVATIONS IN EUROPE AND U.S.

In solving its traffic and roading problems, New Zealand could profit from overseas experience, said Mr C. L. Paterson, of Christchurch, in an address to the annual conference of the 40th district of Rotary, in Invercargill. Even with the densest traffic volume in the world, Britain’s roads held no apprehension for the driver visitor from’ New Zealand, said Mr Paterson of his recent visit to Britain, Europe and America. Provided one knew where to go, the main rule to be learned was to keep to one’s correct traffic lane. To move left or right from it without a signal was courting disaster, as traffic wasted no time between stops. In England, or anywhere else he visited, there were no pedestrian crossings without lights, Mr Paterson said. On the big outlet roads from London there were unrestricted speeds, while “stopgo” lighted crossings or overhead provided access for pedestrians.

Constantly along the roads were notices “lay by i mile ahead.” They were information of spots where one could with safety pull off the road for a spell. They were beautified by trees, shrubs and kerbs.

Warning signposts were built well ahead of the road junctions or turn-offs, enabling motorists to go into the correct traffic lanes, Mr Paterson said. “Such a warning sign erected well along the southern approach to the Christchurch Blenheim road deviation would have prevented at least one accident,” he said. “We must remember that strangers will be using our roads. These signs prevent indecision, which is often the cause of accidents.” Another good idea. Mr Paterson continued, was employed where a road went over a blind saddle or arched bridge. Vehicles approaching from opposite directions and hugging the white centre line were prevented from coming into collision because the lines did not meet, but ran parallel on the crest, about one foot apart. Parking Customs In England, in spite of the dense traffic, or perhaps because of it, officialdom did everything possible for the convenience of road users. Could the same be said of New Zealand? he asked. In Europe it was customary to park either on the right or left side of the road, whichever was the handiest for the driver. On narrow streets, parking was on one side of the street on even dates and on the other on odd dates. Thus there was room for passing traflftc and shops could not complain of unfair parking practices.

Summarising his observations on roading, Mr Paterson said he believed New Zealand’s problems were economically and physically more akin to those in Europe than those of the United States. There was much to learn from Britain, where nearly everything had been tried once, and where the Road Research Board was doing good work.

There was something to be learned from the versatility of the German roadbuilder in concrete and from the excellent design work of Italian engineers. But for the size of New Zealand’s population, and the extent of its road network, Mr Paterson considered that the country was doing very well.