Norwich bulletin., 1920-07-03
Special to The Bulletia )

Special to The Bulleta.D New London. July Ocean aven''e is | the real driveway to Ocean beach and there are probably as many automobiles on that thoroughfare at the same time as upon any highway in the city of New London. It is not only the favor1te driveway but it has also been selected as the speedway andsa place where the traf- fic- laws seem to be violated at will. The great ma iority of those who operate au- tomobiies on that avenue are surely skilled drivers, able to steer clear of the speed maniacs, which are comparatively few in number and that accounts for the few accidents Frequently machines are seen two abreast both at racing speed with a close third. and all headed towards the beach This endangers not only those coming from the beach. but also the con- siderate drivers who are going in the same direction of the racers. AS to the pedestrian who crosses the avenue we'll, hs must make it in double-quicl1 time, and watch every step Just a little police attention might remedy this night ly growing evil most of the reckless driving is done after dark
 Tt is of very common occurrence for automobiles to travel minus either head lights or tail lights or both, and the driv- CTS get away. with it In the business center of tfe town the conditions are different. as operators are haled into po- lice court for minor offences if commit ted off Ocean avenue. The laws gov erning the operation of automobiles is just as applicable 10 Ocean avenue as to any other part of the citp. With police force doubled in numbers within year, or two. it would seem that a few of the younger and more active members ought ot be detailed to traffic duty, with motor cycles. if necessary along Ocean avenue in the night. season.
 The action of Mayor Morgan and the court of common council of the city of New London in the adoption of ordin- auce to regulate the operation of the big passenger buses. was fully within the nrovince of the council and the citizens in city meeting assembled approved the council action This means that the bus es will not operate on Montauk avenue on the runs to Ocean beach. but may go by way Of Peguot acenue and Ocean av enue. Neither are they permitted to go down Bank street north of Howard on the down trips. but can return by way of Bank street making stops at specific places only. ThE will materially relieve traffic congestion Jn Bank street and on Nontauk avenue T. will also mininl- ize the danger on the avenue, as there VIII be no more racing of the buses with the trolley cars. when in quest of messengers on that special route Wheth- rr this action will increase the patronage of the troileys to any marked degree is a1 open question It does, however get I'd of the extremely dangerous parallel competition.
 The owners of the big buses were very strongly opposed to the ordinance ; sD much so that they circulated petition 10 have the mater acted upon in city meeting with the expectation that the citizens WOnld demand a revocation of Ihe ordinance. The busmen and a couple of lawyers representing them. be side all the friends they could muster, We're at tfes meeting but it sprofited them nothing as the great majority present voted in favor of the council action It IS rare. indeed. when an ordinance adopt ed by tie Fcouncil finds its way to the people h= the special city meeting route. and this was one of the rare occasions
 \ square deal for the trolley line. while not the main issue. may have had influence at the meeting and it ought to have Ii is not square competition for rhese buses to take the cream of the traffic business by confining their routes io Montauk avenue and to the beach. while the trolleys are, giving additional service on the other lines. and operating @e' days year. The buses have been operated only on tlie route that brought in biz money and only when the travel in- creased with the summer weather It would perhaps he fair to all concerned Were the buses to operate in all sections of tue city and suburbs bear their sha re Q oI the cost of read work and do all the -roiiey company is expected to in the way of taxation and public service
 There were six of these big bbses from ont Of town operating on the Mon tauh avenue line last Sunday and ore. Furably the. owners contemplated coming SO New London. every Sunday. opera te during tlse hours that travel was heavy nd then fill up with passengers bound io the home town of the bus owners This temporary passenger carrying business is not fair competitor with the trolley company. and the citizens in city meet ing have so declared. There are two nore direct routes to the. beach besides Montauk avenue, If the local busuler -ake the medicine like good American sitizens. they may find that the change 1f route to the beach may be to their ad santage, after all
 There was more interest taken in tn, ous business at the city meeting than fl he council recommendations for appro 'rialons which Were approved, and added mother mill to the next tax to be levied {.