TRAFFIC ISLANDS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 53, 26 November 1929, Page 12

TRAFFIC ISLANDS

EFFECT ON MOTORISTS “I look upon the establishment of all safety islands as a further inducement for reduced caution on the part of motorists,” stated Councillor A. Mcßain, at last night’s meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council, during a discussion as to whether the safety island at the approach to the new Hutt bridge should be’made a permanent fixture or whether some other form of traffic-directing should be adopted. Councillor F. Campbell considered that islands were dangerous, and pointed out that there was always the danger of a collision with the island by a vehicle which might be forced to swerve in order to avoid an accident. He strongly favoured white lines and a silent policeman. The Mayor (Sir Alexander Roberts) : Do you realise, Councillor Campbell, that if a motorist breaks a spring on one of those silent policemen the council is liable for the expense? Councillor Campbell: Well, a white disc would be the best thing. The Mayor was of opinion that it was essential to' have some safety area for pedestrians. Councillor Grierson favoured further investigation of the matter, but, at the same time, felt that some sort of safety zone was needed for pedestrians. Some definite action, he added, was needed to protect pedestrians. Similar views to those held by Councillor Campbell were expressed by Councillors Carver and Hobbs. The opinion expressed by Councillor Mcßain was to the effect that all such islands were obstructions. They had, he said, a positive good as safety zones, but, as traffic directors, he did not think they were greatly heeded. What will eventually be placed at the entrance to the Hutt bridge has not yet been decided upon.