NEW SAFETY ZONE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 61, 9 September 1937, Page 11

NEW SAFETY ZONE

IMPROVED STANDARDS

WHAT THE REGULATIONS MEAN

Sufficient experience has been gained of the pedestrian safety zones introduced by the City Engineer after his return from Australia to show their effectiveness in Wellington traffic conditions and for the zone across Mercer Street at the- intersection of Willis Street a more permanent type of standard is to be used. Here a socket will be sunk in the roadway to hold the foot of the standard which carries the warning; disc. The standards first used have heavy concrete bases, and weigh about a hundredweight each, so that the work of removing them at night is c heavy joo. The new standards can be lifted from their sockets rapidly and piled into a light van, whereas the collection of the heavy type from a dozen or so zones would be quite a carrying job. Not only are zones of considerable assistance to pedestrians and give them more confidence in- stepping out on the marked crossings, but they divide the traffic lines clearly and also have an effect in avoiding unnecessary delays, for drivers see clearly that their half of the roadway is clear, and there is accordingly less need for hesitation by either pedestrian or motorist. PROVISIONS OF THE I REGULATIONS. There are apparently still some people who. are not fully acquainted with the provisions of the regulations concerning 'pedestrian traffic. Ths following are the main points:— Keeping to the footpath: When a pedestrian is Walking along a road where a reasonably adequate footpath is available he must keep to the path as much as is practicable. Awaiting trams: When a pedestrian is awaiting a tram at a stop where a footpath or safety zone is provided on the side of the roadway directly opposite the entrance to the tram he must remain on the footpath until the tram stops. After leaving a tram the pedestrian should make directly for the footpath or zone, and remain until the tram has moved on. When, there is a marked crossing place which is. reasonably available pedestrians who do not use the crossing must give the right of way to motor traffic. This is the companion rule to that which slates than when a pedestrian is using a marked crossing properly the driver of the motor vehicle must give way to him. "■'.'.. Loitering on crossings or anywhere on the roadway is forbidden, and where there is no footpath pedestrians must, for their own safety, remain as near as possible to the edge of the roadway. Crossings at points where there are no marked lanes should always, be made at right angles. Pedestrians are to comply with the directions given by traffic officers or by signal lights, just as drivers of vehicles are required to do. The hard and fast rule that drivers are to give the right of way to pedestrians who are using marked crossings is now very well known by motorists, but there is a further clause of this regulation which is not as well known as it should be: Section 8 of Regulation 14 reads: "Whenever a motor vehicle has stopped or slowed down to yield the right of way . . . it shall be unlawful for the driver of any other motor vehicle approaching from the rear to overtake and pass such vehicle." . Pedestrians who ignore the regulations laid down for them are liable to a. fine of £2, and breaches of regulations by motorists render them liable to fines of up to £50.