STREET TRAFFIC CONTROL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17348, 20 December 1919, Page 9

STREET TRAFFIC CONTROL.

METHODS IN AMERICA.

" PARKING " FOR MOTOR-CARS

The manner in which street traffic is controlled in America impressed the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, during his recent visit to that country. Discussing the matter yesterday he said the underlying principle was co-operation by the public and obliging and willing service by the officials. There was also a tolerance in regard to small infringements which prevented their repetition. Mr. Gunson said the motor-car traffic in America was so enormous that it claimed first consideration. What were known as " parking" facilities, by which cars or any other vehicles were allowed to remain ; on the sides of streets, and in a few cases | in the centre, wer the chief feature. In . many cases these were marked off. This concession was made on the ground that the motor traffic was essential to business, and that reasonable facilities must be provided to meet it. In the busiest thoroughfares the limit of time which was allowed < for cars and other vehicles to remain in the " parks " was generally 40 minutes. In secondary streets, wher no interruption to traffic was entailed, no restrictions were imposed, which was a great benefit to the public. The safety zones, or protected areas, for tramway passengers alighting from or entering a car were a great success in the United States, said Mr. Gunson. They might with advantage b 6 introduced in Auckland, he thought. It was an offence for anyone to drive in or across these areas. To the matters of expectoration in streets, and street cleanliness, great attention was paid. On the whole the sanitary conditions of Auckland compared favourably with the large cities abroad.