THE DOMINION’S ROADS

Southland Times, Issue 23142, 8 March 1937, Page 8

THE DOMINION’S ROADS

STATEMENT BY MK SEMPLE MEASURES FOR BETTER CONDITIONING (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 6. Some of the measures being taken to improve the standard of the roads and streets in the Dominion in order to achieve a greater’ degree of safety were outlined by the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) today. As the result of the recommendations of the Road Safety Council, he has circularized all local road-controlling authorities, drawing attention to the _ main hazards that are known to exist by reason of faulty road conditions, and requesting their co-operation in maintaining a proper standard of safety in regard to the road itself. Apart from roads solely controlled by local bodies, the Main Highways Board is encouraging the general adoption on main highways of the measures advocated by the Safety Council, and is itself proceeding to give active effect to the recommendations of the council, with a view to minimizing the risk of accidents. The board proposes to set aside £25,000 annually for the purpose of erecting protective fencing and providing safety barriers at schools, and other safety measures, where dangerous conditions now exist. This is to be used wholly for work additional to that usually covered by maintenance expenditure. Super elevation on curves, sign-posting, painting bridge rails and approach fences, pavement markings, bridge planking, etc., will receive attention in the normal course of maintenance activities. The Minister said he had received a considerable number o£ letters from local authorities assuring him of their willingness to assist the safety campaign by carrying out to the limit of their financial ability the road improvements which were necessary for safety in their particular districts.