Traffic Problems Not New

Northern Advocate, 9 July 1938, Page 15

Traffic Problems Not New

The •‘Stop and Go” traffic signal systems which are now helpful in controlling traffic in most of the leading cities of the world, arc generally credited with having been originated in U.S.A. The modern electric “Stop and Go” traffic light no doubt was developed in America, but a gas-oper-ated semaphore and light system was used in London as far back as 70 years ago. ? As evidence of this fact, a London weekly recently reproduced in its columns a “Police Notice" poster, issued over the name of Richard Mayne. who was Commissioner of Police in England at that period. The poster depicts the top of a lamp post, carrying two semaphore arms which, in a lowered position, signified “Caution,” and by night displayed a green light. When the semaphore arms were extended at right angles. “Stop" was signalled and a red light displayed. A policeman was always stationed near the signal post, so that he could take up its duties should it fail to work, which evidently frequently occurred.

The Instructions set out on the “Police Notice” are interesting, in view of present-day precautions at city crossings. Under the illustrations of the signal, shown at “Caution” and also at “Stop." was set out in bold type: ,

"By the Signal ‘CAUTION,’ all persons in charge of Vehicles and Horses are warned to pass over the Crossing with care and due regard to the safety of Foot Passengers. "The Signal ‘STOP’ will only be displayed when it is necessary that Vehicles and Hcrses shall be actually stopped each side of the Crossing, to allow the passage of Persons on Foot; notice being thus given to all persons in charge of Vehicles and Horses to stop clear of the Crossing.” From this, it will be seen that London had its traffic problems even away back in 1868—“Dunlop Bulletin.”

In world trade, Great Britain is easily supreme in the export and sale of motor cycles. In 1937, Britain shipped overseas 25,350 machines cf a wholesale value of £1,026,766. Australia was the best customer, buying--8568 units, valued at £341,615. New Zealand purchased 2265 units, valued at £80,317.