The Guardian (And Evening Star, With which is incorporated the West Coast Time.) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1936. PEDESTRIAN CONSIDERED

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1936, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, With which is incorporated the West Coast Time.) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1936. PEDESTRIAN CONSIDERED

In Mr Semple’s traffic regulations for the stricter control of the roads, there is a special part for the pedestrian. This is probably tihe first time outside of local body by-laws covering congested street traffic, that consideration is given to the public perambulating along the roads. Underthe regulations, the person on foot is enjoined to use where available the footpath, and keep to the footpath as far as practicable. When he is progressing along a road where there is no footpath, and has a clear view, of the roadway for at least 150 Feet ahead, he is enjoined to keep as far as possible to his right of the centre line. When he is waiting for a tram at a tram stop in a city or suburb, the pedestrian is to wait on the footpath until the tram stops, before he proceeds to board the tram. When the passenger has just descended from a tram he shall first make to the side of the roadway or footpath directly opposite to the exit of the tram before proceeding further on his way. When there is an authorised pedes-

trian crossing which is reasonably available to the pedestrian, iailuro to use the crossing renders it necessary to yield the right of way to motor vehicles on the roadway. A pedestrian shall not remain on any authorised crossing longer than is necessary to cross the roadway witth reasonable despatch. Before crossing a.rgadway, a pedestrian shall look to his right and left to ascertain tne position of other traffic, and shall keep due lookout for other traffic while' crossing. A pedestrian m crossing a roadway elsewhere than at an authorised crossing shall, whenever possible cross at right angles to the kerb or side of the roadway. Every pedestrian shall comply with any directions given by any police officer or traffic inspetcor for the purposes of safe and efficient regulation of traffic. At all times the pedestrian when practicable should remain on the footpath if one is provided, or as near as possible to the edge of the roadway if there is no footpath, me regulations, it will be seen, apply mainly, to towns. The case of the country townships offers a different set of circumstances. Very often tne road is narrow, and there is not much room when heavily laden vehicles pass pedestrians. The pedestrians must perforce remain on tne road, and the only injunction in their ease is to keep as near the edge as possible. The Minister in his aim to secure life and lamb, should see that district roads where passing through townships or settlements, are widened to a reasonable widtli to remove the risk of accident by speedy vehicles overtaking or passing pedestrians. There is an element of danger where roads are narrow for the pedestrian, and seeing that he Is being cared for in the towns, the same consideration should be extended to the people in the country to help ensure their protection.