Traffic Control on Bulls Bridge

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 291, 9 December 1936, Page 6

Traffic Control on Bulls Bridge

EXASPERATING DELAYS.

IMPROVEMENT FORESHADOWED.

••The time is fast approaching whon we will have to have a permanent traffic officer stationed on tho Rangitikei bridge at Bulls," said Cr. J. H. Perrett, during' a discussion at yesterday s meeting of the Manawatu County Council on traffic questions. “The position is far from being satisfactory," M continued. “In fact motorists are becoming annoyed at the hold-ups and I mvself was held up tho other day for 20 minutes." Cr. R. A. Wilson said that he admitted the trouble but he claimed that it was possible to pass in the centre of the bridge and there was really no need to wait. Cr. Perrett disagreed with this and said that if this was done greater trouble and confusion would result. “You never know when you are going to meet a lorry on the bridge,” he said. Following further discussion CS. Perrett said that it was time representations were made for the building of a new bridge. The present structure had outlived its usefulness and with tho increasing motor traffic it was necessary to have a two-way traffic bridge. The County Clerk (Mr. A. K. Drew) recalled a recent experience when cattle were crossing the bridge. He wa3 obliged to wait and during that wait over 40 cars were lined up behind him while following the cattle there were 39 cars. At times the position was most exasperating. The chairman (Cr. W. E. Barber) asked the traffic inspector (Mr. W. Berry) for his opinion as to the need for a traffic officer on the bridge. Mr. Berry said that on special occasions traffic officers were stationed at each end of the bridge. The chairman reminded the council that the holiday season was approaching and it might be necessary to have officers appointed. “That’s the point," said Cr. Perrett.

Mr. Berry agreed that it would be necessary to appoint two men, one to act at each end of the bridge. He suggested that the bridge should be placed under control three days before Christmas Day until three days after New Year’s Day. The council agreed that something of the kind was necessary and it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the County Clerk and the traffic inspector to get into touch with tho Rangitikei County Council with a view to finalising an arrangement on the lines of Mr. Berry’s suggestion.