THE TRAFFIC FILTER

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4046, 11 May 1938, Page 7

THE TRAFFIC FILTER

PREPARATORY TEST FOLLOWS NEGOTIATIONS. TEST CIRCLE SHOULD BE | ALTERED TO CONFORM WITH PLAN. As was to be expected, the local Chamber of Commerce, at its meeting last evening, discussed the subject oj the traffic “filter” that is being pro vided at the junction of Alexandra, Arawata and Sloane Streets. The subject was introduced by the president, Mr W. Jeffery, who read the following resume of the negotia nons and the subsequent developments, prepared by Mr A. G. Warburton : NEGOTIATIONS REVIEWED. “As the member of the committee who has had direct contact with the engineers of the Main Highways Board in Wellington in connection with the test now being made of the traffic filter at the post office intersection, perhaps it is opportune to explain some of the questions that have been raised and to answer some ot the criticism “In the first place, the committee has been accused of seeking to force this proposal, but this is entirely contrary to fact. The first action of the committee was to invite suggestions as to where the clock should be placed. Fourteen suggestions were submitted, and the majority of these nominated a location at this intersec tion. After consideration of these suggestions I was deputed by the committee to confer with the Highways Board, and did so. The Board’s engineers recommended that in association with the re-erection of the clock the idea of a traffic filter should be investigated, and a sketch plan of the intersection was prepared by the Board showing just what was proposed. This plan was duly placed before the committee. As the plan suggested something that differed from established custom on the highways, the committee at once arranged foi the plan to be publicly displayed, and it was actually on view in a shop window for six weeks or more. The committee then convened a public meeting so as to take a direction from the public, and a very clear direction was given to negotiate with the Highways Board for a test to be made. In view of these facts it is somewhat ungenerous for critics now to suggest any attempt to force the proposal. A very mistaken idea prevails in the minds of some people that the whole area now marked off is required for the base of the clock tower. Il should be clearly understood that there are really two proposals and that the traffic filter is not necessarily contingent on the re-erection of the clock tower. In the plan which was displayed it should be remembered that the circle had three divisions. (1) a pedestrian path or safety zone around its outer edge, (2) a lawn or ornamental plot immediately inside this footpath, and (3) the clock towei as appearing in the plan with sfi diameter in the centre. It should perhaps be explained that no tower has yet been designed, and the question of the tower need not enter consideration until the proper time arrives. “At this stage, therefore, we are dealing with the question of the traffic filter. The idea of the filter can, 1 think, be stated, (1) it will steady the speed of vehicular traffic when approaching and on the inteisection, (2) it will direct the traffic into lanes following a given direction, (3) it will provide a pedestrian crossing infinitely safer than the big open space. “It must be apparent 1o- everyone that the test circle as now put down does not strictly compare with the plan. It is not in its proper position, and the high cambers of the street have not been corrected. If it oper ates at all well as it js now and with these defects, then it can be said, I think, that it will be a success when these defects are put right. ‘Not until the street is widened in Sloane Street can this be done. It h not difficult to picture the altered con dition that will obtain then with, (1) the wider approach from the south end, (2) an even camber of the road surface around the circle, (3) the circle so placed that there will b< an equal distance from the footpath kerbing on all sides, (4) the trafficlanes properly marked out in al] directions with appropriate direction arrows to guide the traffic, (5) appropriate lighting after sundown. “Another factor not generally re cognised is that the increasing traffic at this intersection must very soon compel some form of control and direction. This much I can say after my interviews with the Highways Board that a very diligent study is being made of the many varying and complex questions that arise in traffic control, and I am convinced that the advice offered is not hastily consider ed but is based on a very diligent study of all factors relevant to the ; question.” Continuing, Mr Jeffery said the let ter constituted the report of the spec ial committee set up several months ago. A clear understanding of the whole position could be obtained from a careful reading of the report. | THE ACTUAL POSITION. Amplifying the report, Mr AVarbur ton traversed the negotiations. He reminded the meeting that some adverse criticism had been levelled at the scheme, even though a clear con ception of the finished work could no: readily be obtained at present. Care ful investigation of the plan would show that the whole of the base of the filter would not be used for the clock, and actually the clock may never be erected. Regrettably, the barrels had been placed in a circle before the cambers of the road had been correct ed, and thus many people gained quite a wrong impression. The barrels were not even in the correct position, and were too near the foot paths at two points. It could, how ever, be said that if the motor vch icles could get round the circle in its present position safely now, ther* would be a very much greater degice of safety when the job was completed. He had at first expressed surprise at the large circle, but the chief engineer of the Highways Board had facts and records to demonstrate the wisdom of the scheme and the necessity for a large circle, the whole idea being to guide the traffic around lanes leading to every desired direction, and if the plan was studied it certainly had that effect. To a question, Mr Warburton said he had wondered why direction arrows were not painted on the road

way to guide motorists. There mus be some confusion ami even conge: lion while Hie work is in progress but he thought the arrows would he] to minimise this confusion. It coul< also be explained that the Boroug] Council had forwarded, many week ago, all needed data respecting th widening of ’Sloane Street; but th widening, which was in the hands o tlie Department, had not been put ii hand. This, it could be suggested was a very essential preparatory worl to the placing of the barrels there, a also was the correction of the impro per cambers on the intersection. ALTERING THE TEST CIRCLE. Finally it was decided to ask th committee to inquire from the High ways Board how soon the test circl< could be done according to plan. To a question, Mr F. .Parsons sai he had experienced difficulty in mak ing the turn of the circle with hi six-wheel truck, but that was due t< the adverse camber, which he undei stood was to be rectified. BOROUGH COUNCIL’S POSITION LIABILITY FOR ACCIDENTS. ' The subject was also referred to a the Borough Council meeting oi Monday evening. Mr W. Hall-Jones, resident engi neei for the .Public Works Depart ment at Hamilton, wrote: “With re ference to the clock tower on the No 8 Hamilton-Te Kuiti main highway, have to inform you that the Mail Highways Board has approved of ten tative proposals to make an alteratioi to the camber in order that the traffi* filter may be tried out. I have com municated with the Transport De partment with a view to arranging for adequate supervision of traffic, ant have also arranged to reshape tin junction. It is understood that you; Council will be wholly responsible fo; generally conducting the experiment with the assistance of the Transpor Department’s traffic officers. The Mayor said the barrels hac caused a good deal of discussion, ant it was rather a pity that the widening of Sloane Street had not been attend ed to first. To a question by Cr Gifford, tin Mayor said he could not see that th< Council would be responsible for anj accident occurring. The street was entirely under the control of tin transport authorities. He was in formed that the area was to be sealet (liis week. It was decided to inquire on the subject, of liability for accident.