REGULATING TRAFFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18887, 9 December 1924, Page 10

REGULATING TRAFFIC.

CONDITIONS IN AMERICA.

ELIMINATION OF PARKING.

-FLOORED GARAGES.

Motor traffic control difficulties and the garaging problem in large American <it'os were discussed yesterday by PoliceInspector E. Turbett, of Sydney, who is returning to Australia by the Niagara after a visit to the United States.

The contour and peculiarities of cflies varied widely, and what was suitable for one city was probably not suitable for another, said Mr. Turbett, but the principal problem of them all was the control of waiting and parked vehicles. It seemed imperative that tho restriction of parking should be enforced. Tramcars also presented a difficulty, but whether they could be dispensed with was doubtful, unless they could be superseded by an equally efficient underground railway or motor-bus system.

Mr. Turbett intimated ho had a recommendation to submit to the New South Wales Government concerning the question as to what extent an improved bus service would relievo congestion in tho streets of a city like Sydney. In this respect oneway street traffic had been introduced successfully in tho United States.

Garage of Nine Storeys. To eliminate street parking and cope with the motor-cars of the business community, Mr. Turbett favours multi-floor garages conveniently situated. In Seattle there were several garages of this type, one being built oil the "stagger-floor" system, whereby one-half of the garage was half a floor higher than tho other half, the difference in levels being 9ft. The two floors were connected by a ramp 4^ft. high. "A nine-storeyed building to accommodate 1000 cars and another to provide for 600 cars, the same space to bo used by three owners during the same day, were also mentioned. With this relay system in force it was anticipated that garaging fees would bo reduced from 25 cents a day to 10 cents. Accommodation for a largo number of cars was provided on vacant allotments in many American cities, principally due to tho absence of any taxation on unimproved values, but Sydncv did not have this advantage, and therefore the only, solution lay in the use of multi-floor garages.

Controlling Sydney Traffic. There wore about 500 privately-owned buses in Sydney, continued Mr. Turbett, and consequently competition between the proprietors, as well as with the trams, was rifo. Owing to the great evils _of racing and loitering, the police had a difficult task in keeping control, and ho did not think this would be obviated till a responsible concern like tho London General Omnibus Company owned all tho buses. The most, suitable American buses were designed so that they were narrow and not so high as to obscure tho vision of following traffic. Motor accidents were appalling, the only applicants who had to bo tested for drivers' licenses being bus and taxi drivers. ,