A DANGEROUS CROSSING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143574, 12 August 1911, Page 2

A DANGEROUS CROSSING.

On several occasions representations have been made to the authorities with respect to the dangerous nature of the WMtara Road railway crossing, concerning which Dr. Claridge wrote in Friday’s Herald. Our correspondent, however, puts it in a light which has not generally been touched upon. The danger is usually ascribed to trains crossing the road without proper warning by means of whistles, and the effect of representations has been to cause special instructions to be given to locomotive drivers to exercise extreme care when approaching the crossing. It will he seen, however, from Dr, Claridge’s letter that a greater risk of accident is present in the case of trollies, or railway bicycles, which can neither be seen nor heard approaching the crossing. A collision between one of these ami a vehicle on the road might easily result in loss of life. When a serious accident does occur perhaps the authorities will take steps to remove the danger. The spot is one whore this mnv easily be done by means of a bridge. The road dips considerably, and the erection of a bridge over the line would not he a. very costly matter. Compensation for : a’ life lost would probably cost the Department a great deal more. The authorities, wo believe, have, suggested that the local authority should assist in constructing a bridge, and possibly it would be found willing to do so, though it seems a fair thing that the Railway Department should do it at its own expense. A railway company would certainly not be permittee! to run a line across a main public road in so clangorous a manner, but would be compelled by the Government to erect a bridge, What is fair for erne is surely fair for the other. The traffic on the road, as well as on tho railway, is cohstautly increasing, so that the risk to life is also becoming greater. Combined effort may perhaps force the Government to take action before a bad accident occurs, but it is of little use raising a solitary voice.