Lane-driving in Chch improved

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32779, 2 December 1971, Page 14

Lane-driving in Chch improved

The standard of lane-driving in Christchurch has shown some improvement after the week-long campaign by the Ministry of Transport against lane-driving faults, according to the Chief Traffic Officer at Christchurch (Mr I. W. McLauchlan).

The campaign was aimed at improving lane-driving, particular emphasis being given to driving on the three sets of one-way streets in the city and at traffic lights. Some 236 motorists had been issued with trafficoffence notices or written or verbal warnings by traffic officers, Mr McLauchlan said. The most prevalent offences detected were failing to comply with road markings, failing to indicate turns, failing to indicate lane changes, and turning from the incorrect lane. "We feel that there has been an improvement, but it is obvious from the faults detected that motorists should exercise more care in choosing the correct lane before making turns,” Mr McLauchlan said. “They should also plan ahead for their destination when turning into a laned street, in order to avoid changes later.” Inconsiderate parking in laned streets near intersec-

tions was another fault seen, he said. Occasionally, this forced other motorists to use the wrong lane from which to make turns. The Ministry of Transport would continue with its programme of education in lanedriving, but probably there would be no marked improvement until traffic density was so heavy that -it forced motorists to use the correct lane, Mr McLauchlan said.