STREET CROSSINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22896, 26 November 1937, Page 13

STREET CROSSINGS

INDISTINCT MARKINGS

PROBLEM FOR MOTORISTS VISIBILITY IN THE RAIN "The strict observance by motorists of authorised pedestrian crossings depends to a very great extent on the visibility of the lines marked on the pavement to indicate the crossings," said Mr. F. G. Farrell, president of the Automobile Association (Auckland), following a claim that motor drivers were disregarding crossings in Newmarket. The council of the association recently considered a report prepared by tho chairman of the service committee. Mr. H. J. Butcher, who, with Mr. P. R. Skeates, a member of the executive, had made a personal inspection of every pedestrian crossing in the metropolitan area, Mr. Farrell said. The report stated that an improvement could be made in the actual position of several crossings, and representations would be made in this connection to the local bodies concerned. A difficulty frequently experienced by drivers was in recognising a crossing sufficiently far in advance, he continued. This was considered by the association to be of major importance, for if lines were indistinct in fine weather, it was extremely likely that under unfavourable conditions there would be a great deal of innocent disregard of the crossings. A stranger wonld possibly pass over a crossing without being aware of its existence. The report submitted to the council of the association drew attention to the need for replacement of white lines in Newmarket. "It is the desire of the association to co-operate with local authorities in the more effective control of traffic and the adequate protection of pedestrians," Mr. Farrell said. The association had communicated with the Newmarket Borough Council, offering the services of its staff to confer with the borough officials. It was essential, it' accidents were to be avoided, that there should be a greater understanding of the correct use of authorised pedestrian crossings on the part of both pedestrians and motorists.