LIGHTS FOR PEDESTRIANS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 130, 4 June 1938, Page 8

LIGHTS FOR PEDESTRIANS

Traffic control in a large city is always a problem, the solution of which offers almost endless opportunities for discussion and disagreement. With safety and mobility as the main objectives, there are two points of view to be considered— that of the motorist and that of the pedestrian. If a satisfactory form of control can be found for both motorist and pedestrian, the result should be well-ordered streets. Experience has shown the average pedestrian to be a reasonable person, amenable to discipline and ready to be taught to cross the street in safety. Whether pedestrians have always had the consideration they are entitled to is a question on which there, might be some difference of opinion. Improved methods of traffic control have helped, and probably there will be general agreement that pedestrians today are better behaved than they were a few ' years ago. If there is to be a further improvement there must be other devices to assist them. For that reason, it is satisfactory to read that the City Council proposes an extension of the system of pedestrian crossing lights. Push-button control lights have been in operation for some time at the Queen's Wharf gates and at the Eastbourne Ferry crossing. A set of lights for the guidance of pedestrians is now being installed at the corner of Taranaki and Manners Streets. This should help considerably in the control of traffic at one of the city's busiest corners, and it is to be hoped that there will be further extensions in the near future. Lights erected J purely for the guidance of motorists are not always suitable to pedestrians; in fact, they may cause confusion, even when they can be seen plainly. The City Council traffic department is to be commended for realising the need for greater assistance for the pedestrian, and the pedestrian should respond by strictly obeying the lights. Only by the co-operation of both foot and wheel traffic can the streets be made safe for all.