TRAFFIC CONTROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23044, 21 November 1936, Page 14

TRAFFIC CONTROL

SAFETY MEASURES AT HOME TROLLEY BUSES REPLACING TRAMCARS (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, Nov. 20. Although the efforts to cope with the traffic problem in England were met by resentment at first the public was beginning to realise that the steps taken were to some purpose, said Mr H. W. Norman, head of the associated members’ department of the Royal Automobile Club of. Great Britain, London, who arrived by the Strathnaver from Brisbane. Much had been done in the past four years towards controlling traffic efficiently and checking the number of motor accidents and fatalities, Mr Norman said. Comprehensive examinations for new drivers had been introduced, pedestrian crossings had been marked by “ Belisha ” beacons, and a speed limit of 30 miles an hour had been enforced in populous areas. Traffic dangers in London were gradually being reduced with the scrapping of the tramcars in favour of trolley buses, said Mr Norman. Trolley buses obviated the necessity for pedestrians to step out into the roadway and had proved remarkably, successful wherever they had been introduced. They had entirely replaced tramcars in such cities as Bournemouth, Norwich and Ipswich, although tramways still remained in favour in Birmingham and other centres. It was estimated that tramcars would have disappeared entirely from the London streets in two years’ time. Mr Norman is accompanied by Mrs Norman. He explained that he was paying a purely informal call on the Australian and New Zealand automobile clubs associated with the Royal Automobile Club, adding that the alliance of these clubs with his organisation was greatly valued. Mr and Mrs Norman will leave for Wellington by the Strathnaver tomorrow night.