RAILWAY CROSSING SIGNS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 March 1930, Page 8

RAILWAY CROSSING SIGNS

COMPLAINTS AT CHRISTCHURCH tlly Tol.ograph—Special to "The Mail") CIIHISTCHURCH, This Way. Railway crossing signs came in for disciis.'.iin al a meeting of Ibe South Island Motor Union 10-day. The confusion caused by a multiplicity of signs was pointed out. Tie' matter was introduced by a letter from Mr (.'. 1!. Ilussel which slated thai railway crossing signs in the North Island were placed in positions where no real danger existed. The signs were placed on main roads running alongside: Ibe railway, whereas Ihe roads actually cross ing wvvv. side roads. Mr T. S. Ilawkes staled that he had been informed that Hie whole: matter of railway crossing signs woidd be: revised by the: Railway Department. 'Mr W. I!. Carey stated (hat a great di;al of the: trouble was due. lo Hie fact thai danger signals on New Zealand roads were not general enough. In sonic: places signs abounded. In others really dangerous spots were unmarked. If would be: better to wait a year or two until signs became more general before complaining. Mr M. MacDonald said misconception of the letter had taken place. What Mr Russell was trying to impress upon the Union was tlni fact that the side road and not the main road on which signs were mounted, crossed the: railway. Mr .1. S. llaigh said the whole trouble was the: "red tape:" of the Railway Department which insisted that Iho signs he erected 3CO feel from the: actual crossing. The signs should he erected on (he: road which crossed the railway. Mr Carey pointed out that in many cases if the signs were erected on the side roads instead of main roads in connection with crossings of the description under discussion, the cars would be on the. railway before the signal could be observed.

Mr F. W. Johnston was of opinion I hat. Ihe time which elapsed between the time the warning signals commenced operating and the time: the: train arrived was too long. You could be a mile away and see (he signal waving and yet have: to wait, at the crossing on arrival. The letter was received.