C.M.U.A. Official's Impressions
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of America's Road Transport ly/HILsT America may be able to
W show us something in the way of sky-scrapers, Great Britain has nothing to learn, either from the U.S.A. or Canada, in commercialvehicle design." This was one of the general impressions formed by Mr. F. G. Bristow, C.B.E., general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association, during the course of a recent flying visit to these two countries.
Traffic on the main roads was not distinguished by a large number of heavy vehicles, said Mr. Bristow, and many of those he saw in operation wouln not, in his opinion, gain the necessary certificate for vehicle fitness as required in this country. Having in mind the publicity value of vans, these machines were of a much higher standard and compared favourably with those in use in England, .
Britain Leads in Bus Design..
With the exception of certain of the long-distance coaches. Mr. Bristow found that coaches and service buses, particularly in America, were definitely inferior to those over here.
in Some cities, particularly in New York and Toronto, many of the highways are prohibited to commercial vehicles.
A feature of Montreal is that all street signs are in two languages,— EngliSh ancl Freachl'Mr.Bristekv Was irety impressedWith the effectiveness . of the stop signs at creissings, such as -7 B26
have recently been introduced in this country by the Ministry of Transport. In Canada this scheme has worked very well and the signs are rigidly observed. There is no doubt, raid Mr. Bristow, that such a rule saves many accidents, particularly where a minor road enters a main road carrying heavy traffic.
Pedestrian signals are the rule in Montreal, a separate light being provided on the pavement side of the standard to indicate to pedestrians that the road is clear. A large board mounted beneath the pedestrian light bears the words " Cross the Street on the green light." The clearness of the directions are such that pedestrians have acquired the habit of obeying the signals, and jumping the crossings against the line of traffic, which is such a noticeable feature in our towns, is practically unknown in Montreal.
In Detroit, Mr. Bristow met tradeunion delegates representing workers in the motor-manufacturing industry, and he told us that a new International Union of United Automobile Workers of America has been formed. In the course of conversation with some of the delegates, Mr. Bristow ascertained that one of the problems under discussion at the time was the fear that motor manufacturers in America might adopt the slogan "Too old at 40 " in respect of their employees. Subsequently, at a luncheon of the Detroit Motor Manufacturers Association, it was made quite clear that there was no justification for this fear ; in fact, in conversation with the sales director of the Ford Motor Company, Mr. Bristow was told that more than 50 per cent, of the concern's employeei were over 40 years of age. . '
Some 32,0.00 miles of new and improved roads have been opened this year in the United States, and a further 8,000 miles are under construction.
Possibility of Elevated Roads.
With reference to the elevated railways in New York, suggestions have, been made that these should be pulled' down and replaced_ by underground lines. A number of traffic experts, however, strongly advocates their retention against the day when they can be turned into elevated motor highways to cope with the increasing
congestion in the city. streets.
A point of interest that will appeal to drivers in this country, is that an Order has been issued by the head, of the Pollee and Traffic Bureau in Montreal, to. the effect that ,no more sympathy mast be extended. tc14eyclists or horse drivers when-infringing traffic regulations.