Heavy traffic in Chch

Press, 22 April 1977, Page 1

Heavy traffic in Chch

Christchurch’s commuter traffic was heavier than usual yesterday, as bus patrons sought alternative transport to strike-bound Transport Board buses. Rain aggravated the problems caused by unusually dense traffic and made conditions uncomfortable for those forced to walk to work.

Responding to an appeal from the acting Mayor of Christchurch (Mr P. J. R. Skellerup), many motorists offered rides to commuters stranded by the roadside. According to the Ministry of Transport’s chief city traffic officer (Mr W. j. Nostey), no overwhelming

problems were encountered, although traffic was as heavy as anticipated. Inner-city parking was at a premium yesterday, but traffic officers turned a blind eye to motorists who parked on bus stops. Cathedral Square took on an unprecedented appearance as the roadway became lined with parked cars. By 6 p.m. yesterday, no accident had been reported, although traffic was still flowing heavily. Several signal-controlled intersections were manned by pointsmen to help traffic leave the centre city. A Ministry of Transport spokesman emphasised that

private bus company stops such as those in north Colombo Street, and Oxford Terrace, were not covered by the temporary leniency on bus-stop parking. In spite of the pressure on parking, some City Council car-parks were not entirely full. The taxi companies reported peak-hour demand as “hectic,” but were not unduly behind schedule. Both were working to capacity, having been flooded with bookings on Wednesday.

By 10 a.m. yesterday, the Blue Star company had carried 1700 passengers—more than double normal figures. A fourth radiotelephone channel had to be opened, as the usual three were consistently overloaded.

In spite of the demand, few taxis were more than a few minutes late, said Blue Star’s taxi manager (Mr K. J. Murphy). Twentyfive minutes was the longest any taxi had been delayed. Nevertheless, there were

long queues of hopeful commuters at city taxistands last evening. An imminent $50,000 advertising campaign by the Christchurch Transport Board will have to be postponed because of the proposed bus drivers’ strikes, according to the traffic superintendent (Mr J. Shankland). “We hoped to get the campaign under way as soon as possible.” he said. "The longer it is delayed, the less the impact.”

The campaign’s task would be more difficult because of the strikes. “If we get continuing stoppages, the board’s credibility is bound to be affected,” Mr Shankland said. Dunedin people were well prepared yesterday for the first day of the bus strike, and the effects appear to have been minimal. Most bus-users had made other travel arrangements.

Wet weather was probably responsible for keeping as many people at home as the lack of public transport.