TRAFFIC CONTROL

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 14

TRAFFIC CONTROL

URBAN CENTRES

MINISTER'S PLANS

ACCIDENT PROBLEM

Further proposals for the reorganisation of traffic control were outlined by the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) today. Mr. Semple said that, as the reorganisation of the present system of traffic control was such an important factor in the Government policy for maintaining safety on the roads, he had been closely observing its ejects as it was being carried out by the recently augmented staff of traffic officers under the Main Highways Board in the rural areas. "From all angles," said the Minister, "the new policy seems to be very promising. Perhaps the most outstanding fact is the new spirit of helpfulness and co-operation on the part of the great bulk of the motoring public. THREE MAIN DIVISIONS. "As I visualise the position at present, it seems desirable that there should be three main divisions of traffic control: — Firstly, the four main metropolitan districts where traffic inspectors should be under the one control in each district; these districts will comprise the four main cities and the surrounding centres which, for the purposes of motor traffic control, may be regarded as single units. Secondly, the boroughs witli populations of 6000 and over which will control their own traffic; and, Thirdly, the smaller towns and rural areas which will be under j a national system of control. "I wish to refer particularly at this juncture," said Mr. Semple, "to the four metropolitan districts. No less than approximately 35 per cent, of the total motor vehicles in the Dominion are located in these districts and they are the areas of greatest traffic density. During the last seven years, approximately 40' per cent, of the fatal accidents have occurred in these areas. "It will therefore be readily appreciated that if we are to aim for safer roads and streets, we must have the most efficient system of control it is possible to obtain in these areas. It seems to me that with the whole of. the enforcement staff in each district under the one control, the system would be uniform, elastic, and more efficient than the present diversified control. In passing, I might mention that in the Auckland metropolitan district there are no less than 17 independent authorities controlling traffic. DISCUSSION WITH LOCAL BODIES. "I propose to meet the local bodies in each area in the near future with the object of fully discussing the posiI tion with them, and I have no doubt I they .will be quite willing to cooperate. "The districts I have in mind," said Mr. Semple, "comprise the following:— Auckland: Auckland city and the boroughs of Birkenhead, Northcote, Takapuna, Devonport, New Lynn, Mount Albert, Mount Eden, Newmarket, One Tree Hill, Onehunga, and Otahuhu, the town districts of Glen Eden, Ellerslie, and the road districts of Mount Koskill, Mount Wellington, and Panmure. Wellington: Wellington city, the boroughs of Petone, Lower Hutt, Eastbourne, the Johnsonville Town Board, the Hutt Road, and Main Highway No. 378. Christchurch: Christchurch city, the boroughs of New Brighton, Sumner, Riccarton, the Heathcote County, and part of the Waimairi County. Dunedin: Dunedin city, the boroughs of Green Island, St. Kilda, West Harbour, Port Chalmers, and part of Main Highway No. 225. "I feel confident," concluded Mr. Semple, "that a unified system of traffic control in each of these four metropolitan districts will result in much better traffic conditions in these areas and will be a big step in the direction of coping with the road accident problem."