LONDON TRAFFIC

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 3, 5 January 1937, Page 8

LONDON TRAFFIC

MOTOR AND PEDESTRIAN ADMIRABLY CONTROLLED RESPECT FOR LAW AND ORDER One of the major problems whicl has faced the authorities in London i; the control of vehicular and pedestriar traffic, but according to Mr. Marcus F. Marks, who is back in Wellingtor again after his sixth trip abroad, it ha: been tackled admirably, and, what i; more, an excellent understanding has been developed between the pedestrians and the motorists. Although the system by which traffic is controlled makes motor driving slow in London Mr. Marks, in an interview with a "Post" reporter, unhesitatingly declared . that it was safer driving a motor-car there than it was, for instance, in Sydney. Particularly in view of the enormous increase in the number of motor-cars, Mr. Marks said that in his opinion the control of traffic in London surpassed understanding, so perfect is it There were few accidents in the West End of London, where the traffic was so great; most of the accidents that took place were on the outskirts of London and the vehicles involved in them were nearly always private cars. The control of the pedestrian traffic in London and the manner in which the pedestrians observed the system of control were also marvellous and this was an aspect of traffic control which would have to be learned, too, in New Zealand. In London pedestrians could not cross the streets when and where they liked, and in order tc inculcate the principles of safety steps were taken to educate the children in the schools. WHAT OF THE FUTUIIE? It was true, continued Mr. Marks, that the safety measures employed made motor driving in London slow, but this was preferable to laxity of control bringing in its train numerous accidents. Although the present system of control was excellent, one could not help pondering over what was going to happen.in the years to come with a further increase in traffic. London was so undermined now that the traffic would never be able to go underground. The only way he could see of relieving the situation would be by the construction of ramps. That had been spoken of before, but so far had not been adopted. Mr. Mar!'- said he also noticed with pleasure that the control of motor traffic in Paris, which at one time was dangerous, had greatly improved from a safety point of view. "Another great alteration that has been made in London," said Mr. Marks, "is the improved housing of the people. Many handily-situated flats have been built and they are well furnished and well equipped. The flat system has grown to an enormous extent. There is no doubt that the housing of the people has been very much improved since my last visit." PEOPLE AND THE PARKS. The use made of the parks in London was most striking. Hyde Park, Kensington Park, and the round pond in particular in Kensington Gardens, where the model yachts, steamers, and other craft were sailed, especially on Sunday mornings, were all very well used. At Kew and Hampton Court on holidays and Sundays the traffic was such that one could not help but be enthralled by the crowds and the absence of crushing and rushing. Another noticeable thing was the respect observed by people joining in a queue; there was no attempt to "jump" a place. The law and order that prevailed in London was better than in any city he had been in. Mr. Marks took with him two granddaughters, Miss Betty and Miss Silvia McLaren, of Wellington, who had not previously travelled beyond New Zealand. They saw all the big spectacular shows, such as the Trooping of the Colour, the Aldershot Tattoo, and the great naval and military sports, and Mr. Marks confessed that he derived a wonderful thrill from the enthusiasm displayed by the two girls. They were away between nine and ten months and visited Australia, England, Scotland, Belgium, Switzerland, portion of Italy, and France, and both going Home and on their return to New Zealand travelled by the Suez Canal route. In England and Scotland they did all their travelling by motor coach.