CONTROL OF TRAFFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21117, 26 February 1932, Page 8

CONTROL OF TRAFFIC.

AUTOMATIC SIGNALS. NOT TO BE USED IN CITY. OPINION OF CHIEF INSPECTOR. No further action is to be taken by the City Council at present in regard to installing mechanical traffic control apparatus. The council decided last evening to inform the company, which loaned free of charge the apparatus in experimental use, that while it had operated satisfactorily, the conditions obtaining at the principal Auckland intersections were such as to prevent the system from functioning successfully.

The chief traffic inspector, Mr. G. H. Hogan, in a report, took the view that tbo system had proved effective at the Grafton Bridge intersection. He stated (hat right-hand turns, except by tramcars, had been prohibited. Vehicle drivers had found little inconvenience, and only one collision had occurred. Pedestrians greatly appreciated the definite crossing period. The device admittedly worked best afc peak periods, and at the present density of traffic in Auckland the council would not be justified in spending large sums on automatic signals. Mr. Hogan considered that the apparatus might be tried at the intersection of Queen and Customs Streets, especially for the benefit of pedestrians, providing the routing of trams was amended!

The Auckland Automobile Association forwarded a resolution by its council, expressing the view that -"stop" and "go" signals were not suitable for conditions in Auckland.

The decision to take no further action was made upon a recommendation by the Legal and By-laws Committee.