BUSES AND TRAMS

Evening Star, Issue 21824, 13 September 1934, Page 14

BUSES AND TRAMS

TRAFFIC AT FREDERICK STREET MOTOR CLUB'S STRONG COMPLAINTS The dangers caused by the traffic arrangements for buses and trams at the Frederick, George, Pitt, and London streets intersections were pointed out to the City Council last night by a deputation from the Otago Motor Club, which suggested that previous complaints to the Tramways Committee had not resulted in any remedial measures. The deputation consisted of Messrs F. J. Williams and E. J. Anderson. Air Williams said the Motor Club had been very exercised in mind for some considerable time over the working of the traffic at the intersection of Pitt, London, George, and Frederick streets. The south-bound trams, ho believed, under instructions, stopped over the building line at Frederick street, and obliterated the views of traffic in Pitt street and Frederick street. Three accidents had recently occurred at the intersection, the last one on Tuesday morning. The club felt that, unless steps were taken to regulate traffic at the corner, a serious accident would occur. The suggestion was made to the council that the trams should stop a little north of the corner and, if possible, the Maori'Hill bus discharge passengers in the vicinity of Knox Church.

Air Anderson endorsed Air Williams’s remarks concerning the unsatisfactory traffic arrangements. This was not the first time that the club had brought up the matter, which had been mentioned to committees, but the club felt it was now time to ventilate the complaints before the full council. The club was of opinion that the buses should discharge passengers at the Knox Church entrance and go south into Hanover street.

Cr H. C. Campbell: What about the petrol ? Mr Anderson; It may mean more petrol, but what is that to saving life on the streets and facilitating traffic? From Hanover street, continued Air Anderson, the' buses would return to the Frederick street stopping place via King street. Another unsatisfactory feature of the present arrangement was the custom of the buses to reverse when attempting to turn at the intersection of King and Frederick streets. Reversing against traffic was illegal, and the habit would be obviated by the buses" travelling round the Hanover street block. The club had had so many complaints about the trams and the buses that it considered the questions wore well worth the council’s serious consideration. A motor car had been struck, yesterday by a bus, the view being blocked by a tram. It was an offence for a motor car to block the view at an intersection, and blockages by buses and trams should be similarly offensive. The trams should bo kept back at least one tram length from the corner.

Cr M. Silverstonc: Did the motor car pass a stationary tram? Mr Anderson: Yes, as is the practice when passengers are not being set down or picked up. I understand that the driver was signalled on by the tram driver. , Cr {silverstonc said lie understood that the motor vehicle passed over the intersection at a very high speed. Mr Anderson; That is impossible, as the motor had started from stop and was in low gear. Cr J. L. M'lndoe asked if the deputation had information of any accidents caused by the buses backing at the King and Frederick streets intersection ? , ~ , Air Anderson: No; hut the club has used its best offices to prevent noise in the vicinity of the hospital, and these big buses arc not quiet machines. Further, it is a breach of regulations to reverse on the highways against traffic. _ , ~ On th© motion of Cr Campbell, seconded by Cr W. A. Scott, the deputation’s requests were referred to the Tramways Committee.