Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-11-21
HARLAND URGES
SENATE TO RETAIN
D. c. TRAFFIC CODE
Substitution of That Advo-
Gated by Emo tremendous
Mistake" He Says.
PARKING CONDITIONS
BEING CONSIDERED
Director Says Majority of Regula-
tions Here Are in Line
With Standards.


mittee investigating the traffic situation
in the District that it would be tire
mendous mistake" to abolish the exist
ing traffic code and substitute the Coun-
Gil of National Defense code advocated
by william Phelps Emo, internationally
known authority on traffic.
Mr.. Harland also gave the committee
revealed that consideration is being CIV
en- to parking conditions in the congest-
ed area with view to prohibiting park
ing during the morning and afternoon
rush hours. His expressions were con-
tanned in a comprehensive 22-page re-
port submitted to Senator Hastings of
Delaware, chairman of tie committee.
"WhirlpOols" Are Deriored.
In opposing the Council of National
Defense code, Mr.. Harland said it pro-
vides for traffic whirlpools at all street
intersectlons-an idea tried out in
Washington some years ago and proved
to be impractical. Moreover, he said,
this code classes as reckless drivers all
persons who drive while intoxicated,
disobey q trafic signal or order of a
traffic officer, exceeds the speed limit
and provides that an automobile in an
emergency may pass to the left of a
street car. Such practice, he declared,
would be exceedingly dangerous" In
other words, he said the code is moth
ing more nor less than a series of adj
monitions or instructions to drivers and
pedestrians and could not be enforced"
Mr.. Harland explained that the great
majority of the Districts traffic regula-
tions are in line with standards sug-
gested by the national conference on
street and highway safety, although four
of the outstanding features have not
been adopted. These he listed as a
certificate of title law, pedestrian con-
troll regulation. prohibition against
all-night parking, and uniform left
turn regulation.
There appears to be no opposition"
Harland said Ito law providing that
all cars be titled, and there are many
good reasons why such legislation
should be adopted without delay.
All Night Parking.
Public opinion, however, is divided
on pedestrian control legislation on the
all night parking restriction, and upon
the proposal that complete left turns
shall be made on the green or go"
signal at all controlled intersections.
However, due to the continuous increase
necessary IN the very near future to
take steps toward the abolition of all
night parking in some sections of the
district. This is a matter that will
have to be given very careful considera-
ton before anything is done, as there
are not SUFFICIENT garages at this time to
care for the number of cars parked.
Careful consideration also is being
given to parking conditions within the
so-called congested area with view
toward prohibiting parking during the
morning and evening rush period and
to- the abolition of angle parking on
certain streets where traffic congestion
occurs.
Changes Still Considered.
''The matter of changing our present
methods of making left turns at con-
trolled intersections is still under con-
sideration. Public opinion in the Dis
trict appears to indicate that no change
should be made in the turn at this time.
1t is felt that it would not be in the
interest OF safety to make a left turn
on green or "go' signal, against a red
or stop" signal and against oncoming
traf6c. 1t would have the effect of
slowing down and endangering through
traffic and jeopardizing pedestrians who
may be crossing the street on the proper
signal Further study of our local traffic
conditions with respect to this turn
will have to be made before any
recommendation can be made in this
connection"
Defending the time-limit parking in
the business section, Mr.. Harland ex-
pressed the opinion that in the near
future 1t may become necessary to eX-
tend similar restrictions to the nom
business sections in order to prevent
congestion of traffic where all-day park
ing is now in effect
Entire Elimination Suggested.
Proposals have been made" the
traffic director added, that parking be
eliminated entirely within the so-called
congeSted area of the District as was
done in Chicago However, I do not
believe that such drastic measure
is necessary at this time. The need
for such a restriction has, without
doubt, been brought about by angle
parking and double parking This type
of parking causes congestion of traffic
on our widest streets and will have TO
be gradually eliminated as conditions
require.
"Another traffic condition which adds
greatly to the traffic and parking prob
lens in the District is the small num-
Der of private and public garages and
the absence of bus terminals for accom-
mediation of interstate buses. It appears
that some move should be made to en-
courage the building of public and pri-
vate garages in order to afford accom-
mediation to the large number of cars
registered in the District, for the tour
lists and for the interstate bus lines. II
is believed that If such accommodations
were provided the public could be ed
ucated to make use of them. 1t is fol
this reason that no steps have beer
taken toward elimination of all-night
parking. for, without garages there il
no place for cars to park except on the
streets or on vacant lots.
Lack of Vacant Space.
"In some sections of the District
having large apartment houses there
Is no vacant space within a reasonable
distance for garages. Those interested
in the construction of apartment house;
should be encouraged to provide auto
parking space within the buildings. Ir
order to do this 1t probably would bt
necessary to change the building anc
coming laws.
1T is believed that traffic condition!
in the District could be greatly I'M.
proved by a more rigid enforcement BY
the Police Department of the traffic
regulations This. however, cannot b:
expected at this time with the small
number of police officers available fol
traffic enforcement"
MFR. Harland also called attention u
the need for proper facilities in tn