Fewer accidents on one-way streets

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32873, 23 March 1972, Page 4

Fewer accidents on one-way streets

Since Madras and Barbadoes streets became oneway traffic routes accidents on them have fallen 64 per cent and the number of injured has been reduced 75 per cent.

The figures are a result of a computer survey by the Ministry of Transport. In the six months before conversion there were 36 accidents in the two streets. The number dropped to 28 in the six months after conversion, and 13 in the third period of six months. Persons injured in the three periods numbered 74, 64, and 18.

The ministry, in a special report received by the Christchurch City Council on Monday evening, said that the time span involved in the survey was not great, but accidents were high enough to ensure that the recorded trends were significant.

The survey also assessed accident costs on the two streets before and after conversion, and concludes that costs of accidents had been reduced from $228,000 to $164,000. The ministry’s report con-

eludes that the traffic signals and one-way system are well justified in the saving of accidents alone.

Free Water.—The council confirmed a decision to exempt pensioners’ cottages from water accounts. It also recommended that there be no further metering of blocks of pensioners’ cottages (those not already metered). The City Engineer (Mr P. G. Scoular) said that the approximate cost of supplying water to pensioners* cottages was $2OOO a year and the sum would substantially increase with the increased number of cottages.

Welfare Survey.— The welfare committee reported that the survey to establish needs for the appointment of a youth counsellor and community adviser was progressing satisfactorily. The council decided that the survey be extended to serve as a basis to formulate the council’s welfare programme. A sub-committee of Crs A. F. Orme, D. F. Caygill, and P. W. Anderson will meet representatives of youth organisations on the matter. Rest Rooms.—A sub-com-mittee to examine the running of the rest rooms and creche in Cathedral Square was set up by the council. It will consist of Cr M. Clark (chariman) and all other women members of the council, and will report to the works and services committee.

Study Grant— The council will pay the air fares and $2OO for Mr M. L. Gadd, of the traffic engineering section, to assist him to study area-wide traffic control and related matters in England in May or June. Mr Gadd Obtained a grant of $370 from the British High Commission for an itinerary arranged by the commission itself. Rubbish Collection. — The council decided to discontinue after this Saturday the free rubbish collection for restaurants and food shops in the centre of the city. It was reported that only five of 204 premises entitled to the service had used it regularly. The service will be continued if enough premises are prepared to pay for it. Parking Fees.— The council decided, on the advice of the City Solicitor, to institute legal proceedings against the Ministry of Transport for failure to collect parking fees. The legal action would be on the basis of a claim for breach of contract by the ministry during the meter maids* strike.

Freedom of City. — The Council decided to grant the freedom of the city to the frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Canterbury. The freedom gives the right to the ship’s company to parade through the city, bearing aims, with colours flying and band playing. The new frigate is due at Lyttelton in August.