TRAFFIC IN ENGLAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21919, 1 October 1934, Page 12

TRAFFIC IN ENGLAND

DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS GOOD CONTROL IN LONDON OBSERVATIONS 'OF TOURISTS [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] "WELLINGTON, Sunday Traffic problems in England were commented on by several New Zealanders who returned from visits abroad by tho Remuera to-day. The number of motor accidents was described by Mr. S. G. Nathan as "most appalling." lie said there was an average of 150 deaths a week, and thousands were injured. Whilo traffic arrangements in London were excellout, he considered there was much careless driving on country roads, where a greater numbor of accidents occurred. No speed limits seemdd to bo observed, and cars would overtake one another on the right or left indiscriminately. "Wo aro much better off in our traffic regulations herd," ho added. Mr. W. Toogood, who has been away from Wellington for seven months, said ho did a fair amount of driving on country roads, but did not notice any laxity. Driving in tho splendidly-con-trolled London traffic, ho said, was easy once one knew tho rules. Without tho co-operation of the drivers tbonisolves there would not bo anything like tho order there was in London. Adequate methods of signalling were instantly responded to, and consideration for other users of tho streets made for smooth running. Referring to the noise problem, which tho authorities had taken some steps to remedy, Mr. Toogood said that to the visitor what seemed to bo the main trouble wus not the sounding of horns, but the din made by sports cars which went "rip-roaring" through the streets. Mr. P. A. Elworthy, of Canterbury, who was also on the Remuera, said that all sorts of schemes were being devised in London to regulate padestrian traffio. One that was proving particularly successful was the method _ of marking crossings in zig-zag; lines in tho roads. So long as tho pedestrian kept to a defined area the responsibility for his safety rested with the motorist.