MOTORS WILL BE UNIFORMLY CONTROLLED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17831, 27 April 1926, Page 14

MOTORS WILL BE UNIFORMLY CONTROLLED.

POLICE ISSUE NEW REGULATIONS. (Special to the. “Star.") WELLINGTON, April 26. A new and uniform system of police control of motor traffic in New Zealand and Australia has been adopted. Motor traffic has become so important in the Dominion that, the new Commissioner of Police, Mr M’Tlveney. has reviewed the whole position, from the point of view of police control, and has issued instructions to his officers throughout the Dominion cancelling all previous regulations, and substituting one uniform system. The signals which every police officer has to memorise will be illustrated shortly for clearer guidance in the traffic control instructions circulated to all officers. The Commissioner stresses the importance of giving definite signals or directions to drivers to prevent misunderstanding, to stand as far as possible in the centre of the intersection, and see that all vehicles pass in their turn at reasonable speed, and that at public gatherings such as racecourses, vehicles set down and take up occupants in the proper order. Every endeavour is to be used by the officers to give a clear passage to certain official vehicles, which are enumerated, and also medical practitioners hurrying to attend urgent professional calls, or fire brigades, or ambulances. The Commissioner has adopted a set of traffic signals which will be uniform throughout New Zealand and Australia, these having been accepted at a conference of police officials of both countries. The signals are as follow:

1. —"Stop." Face the driver, extend one hand forward, slightly above the level of the head, the palm of the hand toward the driver of the vehicle, the fingers upwards and close together. When the driver observes the signal, immediately turn and stop the traffic from the opposite direction in the same manner, at the same time extending the left arm horizontally from the shoulder to prevent traffic behind the constable from moving until the release signal is given. 2.—" Go." If the signal is being given with the right arm, extend the arm backwards at full length in line with the shoulder; make a sweep forwards and across until the hand almost touches the left shoulder. The hand should be on the level of the shoulder throughout the motion. If the signal is being given with the left arm, extend the arm backwards in line with the shoulder and give a circular sweep forwards until the hand almost touches the right shoulder, keeping the hand on the level of the shoulder throughout the operation.

The Commissioner adds that when directing civilians, particularly ladies, with regard to either vehicular or pedestrian traffic regulation, members of the Force should be extremely civil in manner and speech. The law requires to be enforced reasonably, but firmly, and with the greatest discretion. The main object is to induce the public, with as little friction as possible, to comply with its requirements, and to educate them as to what is necessary. The proper performance of this duty depends entirely upon the personality of the constable, and he should use his best endeavours to act with tact, patience and good temper. When patrolling the streets members of the Force will complj' with the bylaws, and request all other persons who are not doing so, to do the same.