PETONE MOTOR CONTROL

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 199, 20 May 1931, Page 13

PETONE MOTOR CONTROL

Considering the Drivers

.„X requent reference has been made in The Dominion” to the need for some alteration in the “dome” arrangement at the intersection of Cuba and Jackson Streets, Petone. At present the “dome” Is in the dead centre of the intersection, making a very awkward turn for motor vehicles that aim to go from one street to the other. Most motorists have cultivated the habit of “cutting” this corner by passing inside the “dome” to a varying number of feet. Its presence has been a source of revenue to the Petone Borough Council, for occasionally the cutting of the corner has been followed by a prosecution of the often tier in the Magistrate’s Court and the infliction of a fine.

All that is now to be changed. The works committee of the Petone Borough Council last night decided in favour of removing the “dome” and having four “domes” or circles placed in such a way before the corner from either end of the intersection as to permit of a free, easy and natural turn to the. motor-car. Such a principle exists in Wellington, in Lower Hutt, and elsewhere. The borough traffic inspector (Mr. Gough) has received the necessary instructions to have the work carried out. It is pointed out. in justice to the present arrangement, that the placing of the dome in the centre of the intersection was but a compliance with the Motor Regulations. Under the regulations a motorist making a right-hand turn Is supposed to travel parallel with the street he wishes to turn out of until he goes past the middle of the street into which he desires to turn. It seems a case where the regulations require to be amended. The works committee also decided last night to revise the by-laws of the Petone borough relative to the parking of cars in the streets. There will be proper parking areas arranged for. and indications made of the periods for which motor vehicles may be left standing in such areas.