Necessity of “Safety” Zones

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 44, 20 February 1941, Page 6

Necessity of “Safety” Zones

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The people of Palmerston North pride themselves on being citizens of no mean city. To demonstrate to the rest of the country what a mighty metropolis we were becoming we erect ed traffic lights on certain busy pedestrian crossings. Alotorists cursed and the humble pedestrian became lord of the highway. The traffic department silently shook hands and continued their scheming agaiifst that victim of taxes and laws—tho motorist. The outcome was four nicely painted posts planted in the middle of the road. There is a regular ceremony of replanting these posts. (It occurs about once a week, I think.) Admittedly there are the few intellectuals who do their best to pilot their cars between those four posts. But there is also the case of the innocent and sober motorist who piles his car up on those tank traps. Ask any motorist how easy it is to see them ou a wet night. They may be a source of revenue to the traffic department, but they are a danger to life. Pedestrians are encouraged to make a dash to their somewhat dubious safety before the lights change. Yesterday a woman was injured by one of the standards falling on her. Surely the authorities concerned can devise a safety zone which is, in effect, safe to both pedestrian and motorist. — I am, etc., SAFETY ZONE. Palmerston North, February 19.