STRANGERS IN CITY TRAFFIC

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31564, 29 December 1967, Page 1

STRANGERS IN CITY TRAFFIC

Although central city traffic in Christchurch is both lighter than when business is in full swing and lighter than in recent Christmas holiday periods, it still has problems arising chiefly from visitors being unfamiliar with main routes and side streets, with one-way traffic round Cathedral Square, and with parking prohibitions.

As traffic began to build up yesterday with end-ofthe-week shopping and cool weather at the beaches, there were some frayed tempers among workers bent on business who were competing with holidaymakers who had time to spare.

Visitors, travelling slowly and “rubber-necking” at the sights, drew horn blasts from local people attempting to get through in a hurry. Some strangers also nipped into vacant places at the approach to intersections, discovered that parking was prohibited, and nipped out again sometimes causing oncoming traffic to swerve.

Unexpected traffic lights also caused some sudden stops.

Through all thia cyclists and motor-scooter riders weaved briskly, adding to the confusion of strangers. However, the Deputy Traffic Superintendent of the Christchurch City Council (Mr A. Laing) said his officers found the town quiet with virtually no accidents. He said it was inevitable that visitors would not be familiar with some types of local traffic control and Christchurch drivers should exercise patience. Generally, Mr Laing said, driving had been good and he hoped this would continue.