HIGHER SPEEDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 37, 14 February 1938, Page 10

HIGHER SPEEDS

ENGLISH TRAFFIC

TRAMS NOW OBSOLETE

The high speed of road traffic in England was commented upon on Saturday by Sir James G.unson, who returned to Auckland by the Rangitiki after a brief visit to the United Kingdom (states the "Auckland Star").

"The latest'policy is to 'speed, up' traffic to the 30-mile limit within builtup >areas to prevent congestion," he said. Outside these limits, when faster driving is safe, the authorities disregard high speeds.^ "They direct and 'assist road users by competent observers and traffic officers, who have directions to assist i motorists and correct failures where necessary, rather than harass them and prosecute them for unintentional offences, f

. "Wilful and flagrant breaches tof the traffic laws, particularly those involving accidents, however, are viewed with severity. Pedestrians" are cared for, but are required to co-operate with road users by the use of crossings and in the observance of traffic lights in the same manner as motorists. The road toll shows little lessening, due largely to the failure of the human element."

The mechanical-signals at crossings throughout England were most successful and a great aid to traffic. Police officers on traffic duty were to a large degree observers and were appointed to assist both drivers and pedestrians.

Sir James said that London's underground" transport system and bus services were .atill the wonder of the world. Railway companies had been developing their businesses and bringing their plant up to date. Many miles of railway had been electrified. Last year.the financial returns were better than for some considerable time. With the development of other means of transport, tram lines were.being taken up and were now considered obsolete. Overhead electric systems, with the more mobile trolley bus, were now being used. .