LEVEL CROSSING SIGNALS

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1930, Page 9

LEVEL CROSSING SIGNALS

ADOPTION OF NEW METHODS,. NO MORE GREEN FOR ROAD USERS. From December 1, a new method and new apparatus will be used at those rail-and-road level crossings throughout New Zealand where crossing-keepers are employed. In the past it has been customary for crossing-!.’ . to exhibit to road users a green flag, or at night a green light, an an indication rnac the crossing was required for the passage of trains. Under the new system the roaduser at\ crossings where ere ling-keep-ers are e* ployed will require- to look out fqr any of the following signs:— By day.—(l) A sign bearing the word “stop.” This sign is carried, by the cross-ing-keeper, and consists of a yellow disc with the word “stop” worked out on it in glass lenses; (2) the exhibition of a red flag to the road-user; (3) .a hand warning signal given by the crossingkeeper holding up a hand. By night.—(l) A sign, as used during tlie day, which will the word “stop”'from the lenses of the sign towards''approaching road traffic; (2> a red light, shown towards the. road user, either by itself or together with a “stop® disc.

Some .time ago the new sign wtis considered by a conference which had been convened by the Minister of Transport, and it was unauiniously agreed that the new sign was a great improvement. In addition, the scheme has been generally approved by representative motor organisations. The change now being made is the result/ of special investigation carried c... by the Railw; Department for some considerable time with a view to devising an effective sign which would give an unmistakable warning, either by day or by night. It was contended by road-users, that the signals previously in use were not suitable for modern traffic requirements, as the average mot -t w..3 .taled to be under the impression that they conveyed an “allclear” indication instead of one to show danger. The new system will leave no ground for doubt in the mind of any motorist, as the signal he will receive when the crossing is obstructed for train movements will be one unmistakably indicating “danger—stop.”