JIBE AT COUNCIL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20781, 16 July 1937, Page 8

JIBE AT COUNCIL

SHOWN ERROR OF ITS WAYS

REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC DOMES

“We did our very best to show them the error of their ways, but they stuck to their original decision,” said the chairman (Mr S. G. McClelland) at a meeting of the Council of the Automobile Association (S.C.) last night, reporting on the efforts of a deputation which the Association recently sent to the Timaru Borough Council to protest against the removal of traffic domes from borough streets. He suggested that the matter should be revived at a later date. “Walt till we get a fresh Council in. Then we might get some satisfaction,” was Mr J. Palliser’s comment. "It is too late now,” said Mr M. H. Richards. “The domes are all out now.” "It is never too late,” rejoined the chairman. Mr Richards said it was going to be very expensive if the Borough Council were going to keep on “scratching away" with painted lines. They should think of the cost. Mr Robert Wilson exhibited a newspaper picture showing what was being done In England. The illustration depicted a pedestrian crossing at Wandsworth, the whole area of which was being painted white. The caption stated that white paint was used for “not-so-bad" crossings, yellow for spots where frequent accidents occurred and red for dangerous crossings. Painting Too Expensive Mr Richards said the method shown would be too expensive. Mr Wilson: It is not a question of expense; it is a question of public safety. Mr Richards repeated that the ratepayers had to be considered. "The Borough Council did not consider the ratepayers or it would never have removed the dones,” said the chairman. Mr Wilson said the painted pedestrian crossings were evolved at a conference of the Government, the Automobile Associations and the city councils and at that time beacons were ruled out as being too costly. Now the Timaru Borough Council was talking about beacons. That question had already been settled. “They are only starting to wake up,” remarked Mr Palllser. Mr Richards said his contention was that painted lines were too expensive, and that some permanent form of marking should be used. Tire latest thing was black and white rubber strips, said Mr Wilson. Another member said that small metal studs were used in England. “What happens when a cyclist skids on one?” queried the chairman. No-one knew the answer to the question and the discussion was not pursued.