FAST TRAFFIC DANGERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 245, 13 September 1933, Page 10

FAST TRAFFIC DANGERS

COMPLAINT FROM DAIRY COMPAN Y. INSPECTOR’S REPORT TO COUNCIL. The Manawatu County Council was considerably exercised, recently, when a complaint was received alleging hairbreadth escapes of pedestrians from fast moving motor traffic at Rangiotu. An investigation was immediately ordered and the county’s inspector visited Rangiotu to observe the movements of traffic.- As a result the council held there was no substance in the complaint. The matter came before yesterday’s meeting of the council when a letter was received from the Manawutu Reliance Dairy Company, Rangiotu, drawing the council’s attention to constant danger arising from fast moving traffic along the highway fronting the factory. The letter stated that daily there were hairbreadth escapes by adults and children and the directors of the company felt so strongb- about tile matter that if the council could not bring the offenders to book they would have no alternative but to refer the matter to the Main Highways Board. The chairman (Cr. \V. E. Barber) said the matter had received immediate and careful attention, and he had much pleasure in placing beiore them a special report which the county traffic inspector (Mr \V. Berry) had made after spending considerable time at Rangiotu. Mr Berry’s report, inter alia, stated as follows:—“I have had this matter under observation for some considerable time and on August 29 I spent about If- hours in the vicinity of Rangiotu, but could see nothing that would cause any concern. I again went to Rangiotu on September 4, arriving there about 9 a.m. I then made some enquiries as regards the source of the complaints and was informed that it was the speed of motor lorries and benzine wagons that was objected to. I followed a benzine lorry towards Palmerston North, and its speed was about 19 to 20 miles per hour. 1 followed it for about 21 miles. I remained at Rangiotu on another occasion from 6.30 to 9 a.m. and during that time made a note of all traffic passing along the main road and Main Drain Road. Twenty-one motor cars and five motor lorries passed. Two of these lorries were carting milk to the factory. There were also 15 horse-drawn vehicles. At no time was there any congestion of traffic or any sign of speeding. In fact it was an ‘eyeopener’ to me to see how slowly the cars were proceeding along the highway. In only one case was a car appearing to be doing about 30 miles per hour-—at about 8.45 a.m. when no other traffic was about. I consider from my own observations for the past ten years, whilst I have been traffic inspector for the county, that the reports made about the hairbreadth escapes of adults and children are highly extravagant. “I also go into conversation with the constable at Foxton regarding this matter, and as far as he can remember he has never had a complaint of any accident in the vicinity ol Rangiotu. It is suggested that the company proposes referring the matter to the Highways Board. I should like to see this done so that we could have an independent report on the matter. During my ten years with the council I have endeavoured to give of my best services, but cannot take any action when no breach of the . regulations has taken place, or where I cannot get evidence of a breach. 1 will keep this matter in view and take action when 1 consider a breach of the regulations lias taken place.” The chairman said he desired .to congratulate Mr Berry on his report, as it showed that the council had not been negligent in the matter and that the complaints were unfounded. It was very pleasing to the council to receive from its officers such conclusive reports that correct control of traffic was being maintained.