NEW PARKING LIMITS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20744, 11 December 1930, Page 22

NEW PARKING LIMITS.

RESTRICTIONS IN THE CITY. INTRODUCTION IN NEW YEAR. PROBLEM FOR MOTORISTS. 'J'lio parking ban, which was announced liy (lie City Council sonic months ago lo take effect, as from January 1, caused no sniiiil consternation among a large section of the motoring public, but in tho intervening months it seems to have been forgotten by many drivers, and few havo made arrangements for (he all-day parking of their cars after tho end of this month Although interest in the new restrictions seems to havo waned somewhat I lie ban will lie introduced as was originally announced on January 1, when those drivers who havo made no provision for all-day parking, will find themselves in something of a predicament. As the result of representations made to the council by the Auckland Autonioliilo Association, modifications were made in tho original scheme, which was considered necessary on account of the rapid growth of motor traffic in the city. While tlicro is no doubt that alterations should bo mado in tho parking restrictions, tho decision of the council has placed a certain class of motorists in a very difficult position. Unattended Vehicles. Tho new restrictions apply to unattended vehicles, and thus every driver who at present conies to work in his car, parks it in tho street and then takes it home after work, will havo to make somo provision for leaving his car in a conveniently-situated garage. In certain places parking has been altogether prohibited, while in nearly every other street in tho city there is a limit of either

10 or 20 minutes during the day. In some places night parking is forbidden, wliilo in a few streets there is a limit of 30 minutes. In llio majority of city streets, however, night parking is not restricted. The insertion of tho word "unattended" is not altogether wise, as it is noticeable that the cars which wait tho longest in busy places, specially Queen Street, are chauffeur-driven, and aro not, unattended. Thus, the restrictions do not &p----p|y to these cars, which arc usually large vehicles, and aro often parked for thrcsquarters of an hour outside the leading city shops. Overcrowded Taxi Stands. Overcrowding is becoming more and more noticeable on most of t,he more central taxi-stands in the city. A City Council notico above the stand in Wyndliain Street, states that, provision is made for six cabs, yet on Saturday morning, there were 13 taxi-cabs, and behind them, three private cars and a motor-cycle. There are 334 taxis licensed in Auckland, and stands near tho city provide accommodation for nearly twice that number. The trouble is that tho drivers get to know which stands are tho best for picking up fares, and they will not use any others, with the result that some stands

are very much overcrowded, while others are more or less neglected. Laxity on behalf of City Council traffic officers has resulted in this undue congestion on several stands in the heart of the city, with consequent inconvenience to other road users. It is realised, of course, that special provisions must be made for parking taxis, and when the new restrictions come into force the problem may be solved. THE "BLUE PRINCE" ON THE ROAD. The most interesting model in the New Imperial range for 1931 is undoubtedly the "Blue Prince," a 346 c.c. overhead valve machine, which embodies many refinements. On the road the Blue Prince" is a most delightful machine to handle, having a good turn of speed and remarkable road-holding capabilities. In traffic it is extremely docile, and yet by judicious use of the gears it can be driven with ease through the most congested streets at a good pace. A road test of the model made during the week gave convincing proof of the merits of this newcomer. Apart from the fact that it will touch 70 with case and could probably bo coached up to 75, with a little special tuning, the most outstanding feature of the "Blue Prince" is the ease with which a high average speed can be maintained. At 40 the engine is just kicking over nicely, and the exhaust is scarcely audible. Cornering at this speed is absurdly simple, as the machine can be leaned over at a grotesque angle without any suspicion of a slide, and, moreover, will straighten itself up if ridden "hands-oil." The steering is light and accurate, and any road shocks arc fully taken up by the sturdy forks and shock absorber, no jolting being transmitted to the bars. Either the front or rear brake is sufficient to pull the machine up quickly without any skidding, and if both arc applied simultaneously a very sudden stop can be made in an emergency. The "Blue Prince" is doubly interesting to Ancklanders, 'as there have been incorporated in the design features suggested by the local distributor as being desirable for a machine intended for Dominion use. With its blue-pannoTTcd chromium tank, cream wheels and longplated exhausts, it is an extremely handsome mount and lias a performance entirely in keeping with its excellent appearance.