UNIFORM SIGNS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4959, 23 February 1937, Page 6

UNIFORM SIGNS.

Recent conferences between Government, automobile associations and municipal representatives to endeavour to obtain uniformity in traffic signs throughout the Dominion suggest action along useful lines parallel with uniformity in speed limits. Those conferences are further evidence of the intention to end, once and for all, the confusion which has beset those who use the streets and highways of the Dominion, because of the multiplicity of signs, warnings, notices and so on of all shapes and sizes, and of as many colours, to say nothing of ambiguity or illegibility. Obviously, it is the commendable desire of the Government to combine simplicity and directness with uniformity.

He who drives should be able to see and read, and what is to be seen, read and obeyed should be where it is most obvious.

Signs tucked away in corners, round corners, or near the tops of lamp posts or telegraph posts are not reasonable warnings to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, or other roadusers.

The experts are agreed on most things relating to signs and what is to be put on them, but there is no agreement, apparently, on the form of warning to be given to vehicular traffic that it is approaching a pedestrian crossing. In England, of course, the beacons, famous in picture, story and poem, are used to indicate where the pedestrian has rights which do not belong to him on other parts of a thoroughfare. May we not yet have beacons in this Dominion; beacons allied with marked crossing places? If not, what is a better alternative? If you know one, send the details to the proper quarters, because a useful suggestion would be welcomed by those whose job it is to evolve something as useful, if less expensive, than beacons. Municipalities, of course, will be opposed to beacons because of the cost, but the pedestrian citizens are entitled to protection and the motorists to guidance. If expense r is going to stand in the way of ensuring road safety, then what is the use of harping on the necessity of road safety? The whole safety-drive business involves expense, but as long as the expense is saddled on to the motorist it is quite all right!

Clearly, white lines on roadways do not solve the pedestrian problem as it is imperative that the motorist should have some warning.

If that sign is not to be a beacon it may be a disc, but it should have some value at night time, perhaps by the use of what are known "cat's eyes." There is a metal surfacing obtainable in New Zealand and used effectively overseas. This form of surfacing, is effective by day as well as by night. However, finality has not been

reached on this pedestrian crossing business, but it seems that the beacons which made Belisha famous will not be installed in New Zealand, though, we may yet have "Semple signs" or "Semple sirens" at intersections.