COURTESY ON U.K. ROADS IMPRESSES GISBORNE VISITOR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23021, 11 August 1949, Page 6

COURTESY ON U.K. ROADS IMPRESSES GISBORNE VISITOR

A deep impression relating to road courtesy as practised on roads throughout the United Kingdom was made on Dr. A. L. Singer during his recent visit to the Old Country. Dr. Singer gave some of his impressions to the recent August meeting of the Gisborne advisory committee of the Automobile Association (Auckland). The drivers of motor coaches and other large vehicles, he said, could always be relied upon to give helpful signals to overtaking motorists. They would signal that they were slowing down, and always kent an eye on their rear-vision mirror with a view to the safety of the road user behind. That was the more necessary in England, probably, where there were few straight stretches of highway. If there were concealed crossings or traffic approaching ahead, the drivers of the large vehicles would signal overtaking traffic back. As soon as the way was clear, they would wave those on who had been sitting in the rear. He had learned of a recent move at a motoring conference of an international character to institute regulations of the road that would be common to all the participating nations. Helpful Road Signs Dr. Singer explained the system of road signs in the English countryside. Signs indicating a major road ahead gave the motorist plenty of warning. Round-abouts at intersections had tne effect of slowing down the intersection traffic and decreasing the number of traffic accidents. Markings on the centre of the road told the driver where it was dangerous to leave their traffic lane to overtake because of the configuration of the road ahead, and others gave him the all-clear. The average roads in England, he said, were narrower than their counterparts in New Zealand. It was only recently that the authorities were starting to tackle the German autobahn type of highway. Driving in London held fewer worries than in New Zealand. The control of traffic in the metropolis was carried out easily and without “any palaver,” he said. The regulations were easily understood and drivers knew what they were doing. The silence of motor traffic in London was another striking feature. Little use was made of warning devices unless there was an emergency requiring it.

Guard Rails at Crossings

Another point of merit, he considered, was the provision of guard rails at pedestrian crossings. They ensured that children using the crossings did not rush straight out from school and across the road. The rail method made it necessary for the crossing user to approach the crossing deliberately and gave him time to see what was approaching on the highway. At the conclusion of his talk, Dr. Singer was thanked for his interesting address by the chairman, Mr. F. Tolerton.