Roads Board Crossing Policy

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31864, 17 December 1968, Page 22

Roads Board Crossing Policy

The National Roads Board will be asked by the Waimairi County Council for its policy on a proposal to have a pedestrian crossing over the four traffic lanes of the Main North Road near Daniels Road, and whether it would be possible for pedestrians to operate signal lights on the crossing. This decision was reached by the council last night when it again discussed a petition sponsored by Mr R. G. Jamieson, asking for a crossing near the Redwood Community Centre. The finance, traffic and bylaws committee reported that the chief traffic inspector (Mr A. Goldsmith) had told \jt that he would be loath to recommend a pedestrian crossing, as it would generate a false sense of security. There w r as an added hazard with four lanes of traffic. Since a pedestrian crossing had been put across Riccarton Road, two young children had ben injured. Such a crossing should have a school patrol. The chairman (Mr D. B. Rich) said that schools were legally responsible for their pupils from the time they left home to the time they returned home. He thought the council should adopt Mr Goldsmith's suggestion that another survey should be made in the new year, and in the meantime discuss the question of supervision with the headmaster. Speed Limit A letter from the Russley School Committee said it was

concerned that it was the intention of the Minister of Transport (Mr Gordon) to have a 40 m.p.h. speed limit on Yaldhurst Road from Racecourse Road to Russley Road. Councillors said there were enough children crossing the road on foot or by bicycle to justify a 30 m.p.h. limit. The council decided to tell the Minister that it adhered to its original decision in favour of a 30 m.p.h. limit. After discussing bad visibility at the Hills RoadMcSaveneys Road intersection, the council decided to ask residents to lower hedges and cut back willows near the corner. Playground. The establishment of a children’s playground on Bishopdale Park

■ near the corner of Leacroft : Street and Harewood Road by > the Papanui-Belfast Jaycees : was approved in principle, as i was a site for a Jayeee club- ■ room. Maintenance.—After con- ) sidering complaints about ) poor standards reached by the ! Jaycees on their maintenance contract for the Bishopdale garden plots, the council 1 agreed to a three-month ex- ’ tension, subject to cancellation if the council is not • satisfied with the work. ) New Flats.—Cr G. G. Don ’ suggested that if two firms of . builders could be engaged, ) the proposed pensioner flats at Mairehau could be tenanted earlier. It was agreed - to call separate tenders for • the erection of groups of flats, : or for all of them as one job.