ROAD BEHAVIOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23233, 30 December 1938, Page 10

ROAD BEHAVIOUR

DRIVERS COMPLIMENTED VIGILANCE OF OAR PATROLS TRAFFIC OFFICERS" DUTIES A compliment' to motorists on their traffic behaviour in dtuing the holiday season was paid yesterday by the senior traffic Inspector, Mr. -T. Mac Donald. Pointing, out that the density of Christmas traffic had never been greater in Auckland, he said the absence of serious < accidents was very commendable, as well as being encouraging to the traffic officers, whose duties had been respected. One of the most pleasing features,, said Mr. Mac Donal- was the noticeable absence of intoxicated drivers, and the fact that'none had been arrested for several days. A sharp lookout was kept day and night to chock any erratic driver, and patrols made a' point of chasing cars that were seen speeding over intersections and through- congested areas, but it had not been necessary to speak to many offenders of this sort. Night Patrol Oars Every night four patrol cars have been assigned to duty on the main roads, principally the Great South Road to the Harp of Erin, the Great North Road to Avondale, the waterfront road to St. lieliers, and Rein uera Road. It is proposed to "continue with the four patrols throughout the first week of the new year, i "Only one type of driver has been causing any trouble in the traffic," said Mr. Mac Donald. "This is the country driver, who is not used to the speed and density of city traffic conditions. Several cases have been reported of drivers requiring assistance, but they have been advised to keep clear of the city streets. It seems a pity that city traffic should be endangered because of the inexperience of such motorists." Pedestrian Offenders Mr. Mac Donald was less complimentary in speaking of pedestrian traffic. Ho said the attempt to regulate walkers to their proper sides of the footpaths, in order to facilitate easier passage, seemed to have been I upset by the number of visitors to | the city, who largely ignored the I "keep to the left" and "do not loiter" signs, and often retarded others by walking many abreast. "We painted pedestrian crossings I and centre lines on the footpaths right j through the city for Christmas," said Mr. Mac Donald. "The paint was ap- | plied more thickly than on any previous occasion. The density of the traffic is clearly indicated by the complete obliteration of the lines at many points, both on the road and on the footpaths."