LEVEL CROSSINGS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 16 April 1929, Page 3

LEVEL CROSSINGS

“COMPULSORY STOP" SIGNS

UiiSPONsnni.mr.s or motorists

DISCUSSED BA' AUTOtMORILI ASSOCIATION

The Railway Department's proposals in connection with level crossings, which come into effect on Ist June next, were out lined in a letter from the General Manage.' (Mr 1!. Sterling) discussed at the recent meeting of llm committee of (he Nelson Automobile Assneiaf ion. The idler slaled, inter alia.:— “I de-ire to bring under tile notice of your Association the fact that during the 1928 session of Pajliamont certain changes were made in the law relating to railway level crossings. The now legislation on this subject comes into force on Ist June, 1929, and is contained in Section 9 of the Government Railways Amendment Act, 1928, which reads as follows: (1) Evert person driving a motor vehicle on any road or street shall, when approaching a railway crossing, reduce speed when within one hundred yards of tho crossing to a rate not exceeding fit teen miles an hour, and shall not increase speed until after he has crossed the railway line. It- shall he his duty to keep a vigilant lookout for approaching trains and he shall not attempt to cross unless the line is clear. (2) If, at any such crossing, there is a “compulsory stop'’ sign erected pursuant to regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1924, or by the railway authorities, it shall he the duty of the person driving any motor vehicles as aforesaid to stop at such sign for such Tine as may be ntsce.ssnrv to make adequate observations to ascertain whether-or not the line is clear.

(3) Every person who fails to comply with flie requirements of this section or who crosses or attempts to cross any railway line, while the same is hob dear commits an off mice and is liable to a fine of ten pounds. (4) This section is in substitution for section fifty-eight- of the principal Act. ami that section is hereby accordingly repealed. “It will lie seen from Hie foregoing particulars that Hie speed limit for motor vehicles at level crossings lias boon raised from 10 miles toll miles an hour: also that if the railway line is clear motorists are required to, stop their vehicles only at level crossings at winch a ‘compulsory stop’ sign is crpetfjn. tTmlor Uio Act of 1026 motor vehicles were required to stop at all level crossings. ami this was the subject of frequent complaints hv motorists. “A very complete investigation had boon made of tlie conditions existing ai all crossings hv officers of this and the Put,lie Wicks Dopin'!incut, and the present legal stop restriction will he removed from approximately 2.000 crossings, leaving about only G4O crossings whore Hie view and general conditions are such as to warrant classification requiring Hu* erection of 'compulsory stop signs. Included in this number are lna.ny crossings at which ‘compulsory stop signs will he. erected on one side only, indicating that the restriction is being applied to traffic approaching from llm direction from which Hie view is not pood. • I desire to say that this Department, in. eon junction it is hoped with the Highways Board and I’uhlie Works Department, intends to proceed with a definite programme for the improvement of tlic. views at level crossings, in addition to continuing the policy of installing protective mechanical devices at crossings where automatic, control can he arranged, or, in the worst, cases eliminating by erecting overbridges, subways or road deviations. The ‘compulsory stop’ signs will, in the interim, lie erected at the crossings to he so dealt with, and consideration will he given to their removal as the work of view-improv.-ment, or the programme lor installing warning devices when the pvonnsals outlined herein are given effect

“The steps taken are the outcome of special representations made to the benartmoni for the improvement of conditions existing at level crossings, and 1 think you will agree constitute verv material imni'evcpioißs =o far as road traflir is er-iirr-rned. T( will not he nee’essarv for me to point out. Hint extreme ■-ant inn is still called for under the amending legislation from motorists slid others at all level crossings, and that at ihose crossings equipped wild) the Vc.’nrudsnrv slop’ shin it. will he ahsolidelv essential for them to comp to a complete standstill before passing over the railwav line.’’

Tile schedule showing (he level crossings a! which the Departmont proposes 1 o orod ‘compulsory stop’ signs includes Hie following places in the Nelson section: lG re'-,.-street. Harnoden-stieet, Ri:.liomlel n (3'. Rtokp (3), Bright water lo \ Wakefield, Belgrove IP,). Kohaf.il, Knd-n.

Tim question was discussed a’ some length, and the count v and rilv engineers gave information on certain asncts of tlie matter. The following resolution was passed: “That while Hie Association recognises t lie good intentions underlying the new legislation, the Committee does net consider that the proposals meet the difficulties in connection with leve 1 crossings, and would be glad of the opportunity to meet the General Manager for a general discussion as offered in Ida Idler.” T| was suggested that in Hie meanwhile members should consider the nues.liou and forward anv suggestions to the Association, the whole Committee to meet the General Manager, in comp.auv with the citv and countv engineers. on Hie occasion of his visit to Nelson.