City’s Major Problems Investigated

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28561, 15 April 1958, Page 12

City’s Major Problems Investigated

More off-street parking areas, more traffic lights at busy intersections, improved flow of traffic through “no stopping” rules on main streets at peak periods, possible introduction of four-lane roadways on the main arteries, the introduction of micro-wave speed detection equipment, and the expansion of roadsafety education are among the major policy questions to be considered by a special meeting of the traffic committee of the Christchurch City Council next Tuesday evening.

Although recommendations might not be made to the full council immediately, the committee hoped to form the general pattern of traffic in Christchurch for the future, the chairman (Cr. Mary McLean) said yesterday. The broad lines of firm policy should be determined before fresh construction created problems in implementing any of the proposals. The City Council had approved the acquisition of P. and D. Duncan’s property, between Tuam and St. Asaph streets, for offstreejt parking, Miss McLean said This would give some relief in the southern part of the city proper. At least equal accommodation should be found to the north. Her committee had several possible sites in view, and these would be discussed next Tuesday. Bound up with parking was the problem of speeding the flow of traffic at peak periods. Miss McLean said all motorists, who tried to travel along the main routes at, say, 5 p.m., would realise the congestion caused by other drivers trying to find parking or nulling out from parking places. The committee would consider the feasibility of rules about “no stopping’’ at peak traffic periods. There was no desire to interfere with the freedom of motorists: but all would appreciate the relief which might be given by even half an hour’s “no stopping” when homeward traffic was heaviest on such roads as Colombo street. More Traffic Lights Associated with this aim was the need for additional traffic light? at troublesome intersections. Bills of lading had been received for more of these lights. Miss McLean said. One set would be installed at the Co-lombo-Gloucester street intersection, where it was difficult to con- ; trol the heavy flow between Cathedral and Victoria squares and cross traffic. These lights would be co-ordinated with those at the Armagh street intersection to minimise banking up. The other set of lights would be set up at the busy corner where Bealey avenue, Victoria street, and Papanui road joined opposite the Carlton Hotel. Miss McLean said she was personally very keen to “make more room on our streets.” All statistics suggested a tremendous increase in Christchurch traffic through the natural rise in population, expansion of industry, and developme: ts such as Harewood airport and the tunnel road to Lyttelton. Miss McLean said her own be-

’ief was that some four-lane roads would have to be provided. She thought this might be achieved by attention to the shoulders so that the whole width could be used. In such broad roads as Harper avenue six feet or more on each side was virtually unused because of the camber and uneven surface, Miss McLean said. Improved grading in the course of future maintenance might make the whole width usable for four lanes of traffic. There were other busy streets where progressive improvement of the edges might encourage cyclists to keep further to the left. The traffic committee would ask the works committee for advice.

The City Council, the Riccarton Borough Council, and the National Roads Board must soon determine what was to be done about traffic entering Deans avenue from Blenheim road, Miss McLean said. This was another item on the big agenda. Micro-wave Detectors

Miss McLean declined to say much about micro-waye speed detectors. The equipment costs about £1000; but it is understood that the traffic committee is interested in the idea of such a unit making widespread random checks and thus reducing the need for chase-checks at speed The deterrent effect is also important. Another matter for consideration is the use of films and other visual aids to increase the services of City traffic education officers. The committee has learned of demonstration films made in Christchurch and may use them with lectures to schools and adult organisations. Inspectors’ Accommodation

Better quarters for the City Council’s traffic staff is one of Miss McLean’s chief objectives “These men work long hours—up to 1 a.m.—and yet they have only pokey rooms,” she said. “They buy fish and chips for a meal when they should be able to grill a steak if they wish. They have to undertake point duty in pouring rain and yet there are no adequate changing rooms and no facilities for a hot shower. I am personally determined to see that their lot is improved.

“The traffic committee will hold its ordinary meeting at 4 p.m. next Tuesday, take a break for tea, and then resume as a special meeting in the evening.” Miss McLean said. “From the importance of all these matters it will be seen that no recommendations will be lightly made. We may not be able to report immediately to the council; but we hope to go a long way toward envisaging the shape of things to come.’”