TRAFFIC REGULATION.

Evening Star, Issue 23056, 7 September 1938, Page 2

TRAFFIC REGULATION.

TO TUB EDITCH. Sir—Your “ local ” in to-night’s ‘ Star ’ drawing attention to the complete lack of regard of some motorists for the rights and safety of pedestrians on authorised crossings is timely. Ever since the system of marking crossings was introduced the authorities have been encouraging us to use them. We have the right of way on them, so we are told. But we must not loiter on them, which is quite reasonable. But what earthly use are they when there are irresponsible people in motor. cars who decide that by hook or by crook they are going to get across first P Some even use their horns to get us out of the way. Like an innocent abroad, I trust myself to the doubtful protection of the yellow lines, only to find on numerous occasions, when-too far from the footpath, that a motor car is bearing down upon me with no intention whatever of letting me across. They have even cut over to the right to get past first. No wonder we see people hesitating, even at an authorised crossing, if there are.. motor cars or vans anywhere near. The incident of the elderly lady mentioned in your “local” is even more glaring, and demonstrates that, despite the attempts to educate motorists, there are some who show every time they take a car on to the road that they are totally unfit, to be in charge of one. These vacuous souls probably are not capable of realising that a shock to an elderly person might have serious consequences. In their ignorance they fondly imagine they have done something clever, and that their irresponsibility is evidence of expert driving. In all fairness it must be admitted that some pedestrians meander irresolutely over crossings, but this may be due in some cases to doubt as to whether motorists will let them cross. I think it is high time some definite and effective steps were taken to control motorists who are not playing the game. Those who have no sense or responsibility or of their obligations to others should be driven from the roads. If the traffic department is unable to check, .them, then perhaps pedestrians might act in their own interests, take the numbers of offenders .cars, and re*, port them. A few prosecutions might do a lot of good. Lest anyone should think that I am condemning motorists as a whole, let me hasten to add that there are many drivers who observe the_ regulations scrupulously. But the point is there is nothing about a motor car to indicate whether its driver is a considerate and reasonable person or a nuisance who thinks the road was made for him alone. So long as that is the case we shall never know whether it is safe to venture between the yellow lines or not. Pedestrians have their rights, and they should see to it that steps are taken to ensure that every motorist concedes them. I am, etc., Quo Vadis. September 6.