TRAFFIC CONTROL METHODS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 March 1925, Page 6

TRAFFIC CONTROL METHODS.

INSPECTORS’ CONFERENCE. UNIFORMITY ADVOCATED, AN ASSOCIATION FORMED. AVith the object of affording those engaged in traffic control work ait opportunity of meeting to consider the operation of various phases of the motor regulations under the new Act, and of discussing traffic control problems with a view to securing the adoption of uniform methods in dealing with them, the Stratford Borough Council decided recently to convene a conference of inspectors and representatives of local bodies throughout the province. The conference was held in the Borough Council Chambers, Stratford, yesterday, when various recommendations, considered in th© light of practical experience, were framed and are to he forwarded to iocal bodies in Taranaki. Their effect, it is hoped, will influence the desired uniformity in administering traffic- regulations and add to the safety and convenience of the travelling public. In conclusion, a traffic inspectors’ association was formed. Proceedings opened with a welcome to delegates extended by the Mayor of Stratford, Air J. AY. McMillan, who said the motive of the conference was an 1 excellent one, and commended Cr S. AVard, of the Stratford Borough Council, with whom, the speaker understood, the idea had originated. Air McMillan further intimated that in the interests of the public it was highly desirable that uniformity in dealing with traffic control matters should he adopted throughout the country. He anticipated that the conference would have beneficial effects, and hoped it would lead to regular meetings of traffic inspectors. Cr Ward also welcomed the delegates, and recommended the formation of an inspectors’ association. ' Inspector R. Day, New Plymouth Borough Council, replied on behalf of the delegates. Cr Ward was voted to the chair, and Inspector Day was appointed secretary to the conference.

Delegates present were as follow: Inspector R. Day, New Plymouth Borough Council; Inspector G. F. Rowe and Cr Nairn, Eltham Borough Council; Mr N. Dcverenux. Tnglewood Borough Council; Air J. AV. Harding, Hawera County Council; Inspector L. Hunt, Hawera Borough Council; - Inspector L. T. Kendrick,. AA T aitnra Borough Council; Inspector < J. E. L. Jenkins, Stratford Borougli Council; Inspector H. J. Spearman, Stratford. County Council; Air A. E, .Aloss, Kaoonga'Town Board; Air A, Tiplady add

Inspector H. E. AA’illiams, Eltham County Council; Air A. Hansen, AA;ailhate'AVest County Council; Mr R. Aroa, Taranaki County Council; Air C. E. Dowsett, Clifton County Council; Air W. H. Rook, Patea Borough Council. DEFECTS IN THE ACT.

Business commenced with a discussion led by Inspector Day with reference to what* were considered defects in the Act.

Inspector Day said he did not think the new system of numbering cars could be regarded as a step forward. From tests made with the old and new numbers lie had found that whereas | the former could he easily distinguished lat 90 paces, the latter could not be disI tinguished beyond 40. paces. The new numbers were whit© on green, and not so easily picked out as the old white on black. He further thought that the provincial divisions' should have be'en retained. This would have enabled larger-sized figures, and would also assifit inspectors in towns to pick cars from other districts, with the result that the drivers could he informed concerning particular by-laws and perhaps snVed from infringing ’them. The department had intimated that lists woqld be issued, but these, lie pointed out, would very quickly become obsolete through the frequen t changes which could not- be obviated. Another difficulty would be encountered in proving ownership, provision for which had not been made. He further regarded ns a reflection on the Dominion inspectors the action of the Government in modelling, the regulations altogether on imported ideas, and thought that had the practical experience of local conditions gained by inspectors throughout the country been brought to hear on the subject many inconveniences existing in the regulations could have been avoided. Inspector Day stressed the expense entailed in annual changes of number plates, and advocated as a more economical scheme the retention of the original number issued under the new provisions and the designation of the particular year by a small brass tab. the shape of which could he changed annually'. All*. Aloes asked if it would not he possible to indicate districts by the first, or first- two figures, which it •seemedi were being used a® a bar n umber to the following figures. Inspector Hunt said that cans from Wanganui, where numbers! were being issued commencing with. 26 and 27 in thousands, could already be picked out. He also explained the system of colouring the plates by which the .year of registration; could be seen at :t glance. The Government, he understood fl*oin recent newspaper reports, were considering a scheme of dividing: registrar tioh into highways, districts, mid In? thought that .such a system, or as an alternative, the issuing of numbers according to postal districts' should he adopted.

After further discussion the following recommendation; was carried on the motion of Air. Moss- and' Th.speetor W, ill,la,ms: —(a) That the Government be- asked to adopt the white lettering on Mack number plates system, as defined in the Act of 1908; (b) that the plate and number first issued under the new regulations, be retainod and that the annual license, renewal be indicated by a. small metal tab, the shape if which, would denote the particular year; (c) that registration be by highway districts designated on; the plate by a letter or figure. INSPECTIQN OF DRIVERS. I-hspecitbr Day explained that- in New;

Plymouth “certificates of ability'’ were issued to qualify, for which a tested driver must not only be efficient lit, handling bis ear, but must also, be acquainted with the by-law provisions. He could not approve of the system of handing, out licenses. without; a. test, and .stressed the opinion, that in fairness. to the applicant and. the general public a, test of efficiency should, be l insisted upon. It was also very important that drivers should know the chief features of the by-laws in, the main towns, an explanation of which could easily be made by the- examiner. Mr. Hansen agreed concerning the advisability, of a practical, test, but pointed out that it was not too late to have such insisted upon, as unefet the provisions of the Act licenses were being issued without test to, applicants who, had driven a car for three, months. He thought, however, that the qualifying period should have been afleast six months. ' !

Inspector Day stressed the importrinioe of- paying attention to any. possible physical disabilities of drivers, and stated for instance that licenses should not be issued if the applicant wqsi afflicted with deafness or defective vision. « THSTI iN t; Dilt l v imiis, A .sub-committee consisting of Inspectors Day and Hunt and Air. Moss was appointed to draw lip a syllabus for testing drivers, and after the luncheon adjournment rendered a report which, ’ after consideration, was adopted as follows: (I) Drive round two blocks to form a figure eight, observing starting, attention to rule of the road, speed, turning corners on the left,. signals and rounding horn; (2) changing gear dowhill; (3) turning round., preferably in a narrow street or on a hill; (4) back car across a culvert; (5) back into kerb at an angle of 45 degrees, explain, parking rules; (G) try brakes; (7) examine as to deafness and defective vision; (8) general explanation —(a) not to pasis stationary tram occupying left side of road, overtake moving tram, on left side of tua.m ; (b) when overtaking another vehicle eee that the road is clear; (c) explain that in, the majority- of.towns in Taranaki speed over crossings and round corners must’ he below 10 miles an hour, while speed in business centres, must be below 15 mi-le.s an hour; (a) explain dangers of stopping on the wrong side of street; (e) point out that cans must not be left near gates of narks, sports grounds or theatres; (f) "explain that main, roads in boroughs do not always have the right-of-way.

Tt was resolved to recommend to. |oral .bodies Mint, taste should he up plied on; the lines indicated; a,15,0 that printed .sheets embodying brief in-st-rnctioms he issued with licen-cs. FORM OF LICENSE

During a discussion regarding the fonn of • licenses to he issued, it was pointed out that uniformity could not be realised this year, as licensing authorities already had the forms printed, but. it was resolved to recommend. that in future folding cards uniform. in size and design he issued. Ais, an auxiliary, it. was decided to recommend the issue of coloured transfers, to he placed on windscreens, inismbed’ with tlie wordtsi “driver’s license” and the year of .issue, the colour to be. changed .annually. It was .pointed out. however, that this would, not absolve the driver from carrying his license, but would lessen inconvenience caused to motorists through being constantly ‘requested’ by inspectors 3 to : licenses.

A system' of showing a,t a glance that motor lorry licenses had been obtained was advocated, and it was decided to recommend tlhaf while tab* should be issued with annual or, halfyearly licenses, and blue tabs with monthly or quarterly licenses.

Inspector Day illustrated a method whereby index cards containing particulars required of applicants for licenses would be be filled in at tlie 'time of application, thus minimising clerical, work and adding to convenh enee in, filing. After discussion; it was - decade,elf to- recommend the adoption. of the system. PARKING CARS. Inspectors Day and Hunt explained the method of indicating parking places by red discs in use in New Plymouth and Haweia, and It was decided to recommend tlie adoption of the system at al l.sports grounds throughout the province. Referring to methods of -parking. Inspector Dav said that in his experience he, had found the system of placing cars in straight double rows gave tlie most convenience. Inspector Hunt favoured parking at an angle, and’ expalined the success this method had been found at Hie last Hn.wera races. It was decided to recommend that cars he parked at an angle of 45 de-_. grees, car to be hacked in and face' left. , OVERLOADING CARS. The dangerous practice of burdening service cars with overhanging loads of both luggage and passengers was severely criticised, and it was resolved to recommend that by-laws relating to the matter be’.sfcrictly enforced. CYCLE TAIL LIGHTS. Inspector Jenkins brought up the question of tail lights on motor cycles and push cycles, and it was decided to recommend the adoption . of by-laws compelling the use of either red tail lights or red disc reflectors.

STOCK ON ROADS. The method of approaching cattle on the roads was mentioned by Inspector Milliards, who suggested that motorists should be instructed to slow down, and i instanced cases where driovers had. lost I valuable dogs through inattention of drivers. No action was tajeen, but in the ensuing discussion strong comment was made concerning the menace of cattle on roads after dark. ASSOCIATION FORMED. The chairman said the conference had brought forward a, great deal of useful discussion which could lie expected to have beneficial influences. He considered that the formation of an association of traffic inspectors had beep, amply justified, and that if such an association were formed it could render valuable service to. both- the general public and those whose duty it was to frame and administer regulations, governing traffic.

On the motion of Inspector Day, seconded' by Councillor Nairn, it was resolved that an association be formed, to be known as the Taranaki Traffic Inspectors’ Assocation, and that headquarters be at Stratford. N

Officers were elected as follow:—President, Inspector R. Day, New Plymouth Borough Council ; executive, Inspector L. Hunt, Llawera Borough Council and Mr A. Hansen, Waimate West County Council; lion, secretary and treasurer, Inspector J. E. L. Jerri kins, Stratford Borough Council'. Membership feb was fixed at 2s‘ Gd' annually. ' V

Votes of thanks to the chairman, whose services were eulogised by the newly-elected president,, and to the Stratford Borough Council for hospitality extended concluded the conference.