TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 198, 19 May 1936, Page 11

TRAFFIC SIGNALS

New System in Operation at Queen’s Wharf Entrance NO COMPLAINTS HEARD Yesterday morning witnessed the beginning of a new form of traffic control in Wellington, known as the electromatiic traffic-actuated light signals. As the name suggests, the new system—the first of its kind in the Dominion—is a system of lights—red, amber and green—with a new form of controlbox, other than time switches. The system has been installed in Jervois Quay, opposite the Queen’s Wharf, where it worked satisfactorily throughout the day, a couple of traffic inspectors being present to call attention to the new system of control by lights and how- it was actuated—by the vehicles themselves passing over “pads” set in the roadway, which in turn operated the switches. The site is not perhaps the best to test out such a system, as official tallies show that 95 per cent, of the wheeled traffic moves north and south, and the remaining 5 per cent, east and west. In other words, only 5 per cent, of the traffic at that point in Jervois Quay is to and from Queen’s Wharf. That being so, it was really only necessary to provide “pads” for the east and west route. These “pads” are in the roadway just inside the Harbour Board’s iron gates and in Grey Street (opposite T. and W. Young’s warehouse). Other than these, there is an isolated “pad” for the use of traffic swinging from Jervois Quay (south side) to Queen’s Wharf. This is placed just near the corner of Jervois Quay and Grey .Street (and actually in the latter street£. In order to pass over this “pad” vehicles from Jervois Quay south have to diverge slightly to the west from the line of the straight run through, and come to a halt either on or near the “pad,” and there wait for the green light for which they have signalled. AU this sounds more complicated than it actually is. As a guide for the drivers who wish to make this right-hand turn to Queen’s Wharf, the words “To wharf and left turn” have been printed on the surface of the road, and a sign on a pole says. “Keep to left of line for wharf or left turn.” Accompanying these instructions arc white guiding lines on the road, which cannot be missed. When under observation yesterday morning, a private car passed over the Grey Street “pad,” but owing to the fairly continuous line of vehicles passing north and south some six seconds elapsed before the green light appeared. When the button was pressed to give pedestrians a chance to cross the response was not immediate by any means. .Some eight or nine seconds elapsed before tho green opened out. That, of course, is as intended. After all, wheeled traffic gets first consideration. What is certain, however, is that the electrical mechanism has a memory, ami that, instead of risking life and limb essaying a crossing in moving traffic, one may by waiting a few seconds make a safe crossing.

When consulted late yesterday afternoon as to the new traffic signals, the chief traffic inspector (Mr. L. S. Drake) said that it seemed to be working quite satisfactorily. So far he had beard of no serious complaints.