INVISIBLE POSTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 10

INVISIBLE POSTS

FAULTY PAINTING SCHEME As I was motoring down to town from Parnell one night last week —at least I was coming down in a corporation ’bus —we were surprised to hear a crash behind us which plainly indicated a. car in trouble. The ’bus stopped, and we found that a fiveseat or car which had been overtaking the 'bus had crashed into a tramway pole, demolishing the off-side wheel and crushing the mud-guard. The night was black, and rain had just ceased. On appearances the accident had resulted from these facts, combined with the fact that these poles are practically invisible on such a night. Most modern cities have removed from their streets tram poles and similar obstructions. When there is a post or other obstruction likely to cause trouble under any circumstances it is invariably painted a light colour. Having all the colours of the rainbow to choose from Auckland paints the top portion of the street poles dark green, and the lower portion black. Imagine such a night, or any other night for that matter, and the chances of seeing a green and black pole planted invariably in a black roadway. Seeing stars —not the heavenly variety —is more probable. The motorists have a right to expect that steps will be taken to repaint all the poles on streets in a light colour, preferably in the easily picked up colour used by the A.A.A. on its signposts.