SAFETY CONE TESTED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29767, 9 March 1962, Page 15

SAFETY CONE TESTED

Device For School Crossings A rubber cone surmounted by a red flaig which it is suggested could be placed in the middle of pedestrian crossings when school patrols are operating was demonstrated yesterday afternoon to officials from the Transport Department and the City Council. The cone, which has been tried in North Island centres, is the idea of Mr A. K. Grieves, the representative of the Dominion Federation of School Committees’ Association of New Zealand on the New Zealand Road Safety Council. Of rubber, the cone is about 18in high, and is painted yellow with the word “Sohool” written on it. ■ Protruding from the top of the cone is a rubber pole on top of which is a red flag. The whole device is a little more than 3ft high. The device was yesterday used on the pedestrian crossing outside the Sydenham School, Colombo street. Among those watching the demonstration were the City Council’s traffic superintendent (Mr J. F. Thomas), the assistant traffic superintendent (Mr H. W. BirdHiimg) and the district officer of the Transport Department (Mr D. L. Hogan). Most motorists appeared to see the cone or the school patrol signs some distance from the crossing, and accordingly slowed down. However, in spite of the cone, the extended signs, and the crowd of children near the crossing, one motorist nearly went over the crossing when the signs were extended, realising his mistake and braking sharply only at tire last (moment.