A QUIETER CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22018, 26 January 1935, Page 10

A QUIETER CITY

An attitude that promises well for reform wa's taken up by the City Council in discussing shortcomings in traffic control, with particular reference to the increasing and intolerable nuisance of street noises. Instead of throwing the onus on the traffic department, several members of the council acknowledged that the responsibility was theirs. For reasons of economy the department's staff had been allowed to fall below strength and had -been unable to discharge in full the duties devolving upon it. That was a fair admission, and, better still, the council decided to set about strengthening a weak position. Certainly, considering the revenue in fees and licences it draws from motor vehicles, quite apart from the social aspect, the council should give in return an efficient traffic control service. From the trend of the discussion, it is clear that the present staff is not sufficient tc impose the necessary discipline and the position has got more or less out of hand. As the Mayor remarked, there is no necessity to alter present regulations or invent new ones; what i' 3 wanted is the enforcement of the existing law. Standards have become lax. Wide and strict surveillance is needed to raise them and a campaign should be organised to that end. Onc§ it is understood that a high 'standard of road conduct and manners is to be insisted upon, little trouble should be experienced in reaching and maintaining a reformed level. A first aim in the campaign should be the elimination as far as possible of avoidable street noises. Public opinion is unanimous that the motor-cyclist should have particular attention, but all offenders should be brought to book. In some few cases the offence is deliberate, but doubtless the majority err through heedlessness for the nerves and rest of others. With this latter group education might accomplish much, especially if hints and advice i were tactfully presented. Such an effort would be greatly helped by the co-operation of the Automobile Association, which could work through its members for a higher code of road manners. Motorists might thus give a lead in a campaign against noise, arousing the public consciousness to a realisation that a great part of the modern racket can be eliminated. Civilisation need not mean pandemonium. Cities, where lives a part of mankind, could be made much quieter to the assuagement and rest of over-tried nerves, body and mind.