THE JAY-WALKER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 March 1926, Page 16

THE JAY-WALKER.

PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.

Control of pedestrian traffic in Seattle has been initiated on a most comprehensive scale. Red and green interchanging lights have been installed at busy intersections to control both vehicles and pedestrians. It is an offence to cross the road against the red light, and the '‘jay-walker” has to obey whether he likes it or not. Before attempting to cross, the pedestrian must wait for the bell and the green light. In some Seattle streets crossing is forbidden at. any other'point than intersections. It is stated that after a week's trial the citizens showed general appreciation of the measure, and there was an obvious desire to conform to the restrictions imposed. With the

new signals, one may have to wjj.it for a few seconds before the street, but once under way the pedestrian can proceed with absolute confidence in his security. Motorists have come to realise that the new signals do not hamper traffic. Bather do they prevent congestion, and, with a green light showing, the driver can be sure of safety in approaching crossings at a reasonable speed. In fact, laggard drivers are told to ‘/step on it,” or seek a back street. The signals can be worked from a central tower by a traffic officer. He can see long distances along the four intersecting thoroughfares. Alternatively the signals can be operated automatically to give the stop and go signs for any periods of seconds. In Seattle there is a tiOsec period, while in Los Angeles, another city which has adopted efficient methods of pedestrian control, the signals operate on a 90see system. They start at 8.30 a.m. and function until about 10.30 p.in. \