Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-07-07
Action Is Set
To Cut Blocking
Al intersections
Strict Enforcement
Will Start Soon,
Officials Announce
BY Don S. Worren

Police are going to do some-
thing about the driver who
doesn't quite make 1t through
the intersection on his green
light and blocks you through
your green light.
District traffic officials are
serving notice that strict en-
forcement against intersection
blocking viii be undertaken
within several days.
Plans were announced today
by Traffic Director George e.
Keneipp and Deputy Police Chief
John G. Agnew, in charge Of the
Traffic Bureau. with Representa-
tive KearnS. Republican, of
Pennsylvania. Mr.. Kearns is
chairman of the Streets and
Traffic subcommittee of the
House District Committee.
Several Conferences.
The three have had several
conferences over the problem of
blockades at busy intersections.
AS one put 1t: There are some
drivers who are determined de-
spite any odds to proceed into
an intersection even though they
know from the lines of traffic
ahead that they cannot clear
the intersection before the light
turns. This causes confusion.
congestion and hazards. We are
determined it must STOP"
The trio Of officials voiced the
hope that the driving public will
take to heart the warning Of
things to come. They said it
would take several days to per-
feet arrangements for better
enforcement but that the new
policy was in effect Immediately.
One step in preparation, they
recalled, was the action of the
Board Of Commissioners a few
days ago in revising the drivers
point system. In this connec-
ton, the city heads raised from
one to two points the black
mark for blockading an inter-
section. A total of eight points
for any cause calls for suspen-
sion of a drivers permit. Twelve
points means revocation.
Kearns' Assurance.
Mr.. Kearns assured the two
city officials that if any further
legislation or support was
needed. his subcommittee stands
ready to consider any and all
suggestions forwarded to it.
Following a conference this
morning in Mr.. Kearns' office,
the three issued a formal state
ment saying the objective is an
agreement Ito put into effect
strict enforcement of the regula-
ton concerning the blocking
of intersection traffic"
Mr.. Keneipp and Inspector
Agnew, after having consulted
the judges of Municipal Court.
"have agreed that strict enforce
ment will be in effect immedi-
ately and are assured that the
full support of the court will
be given. The minimum collat-
eral of $40 will be adhered to
strictly"
The collateral charge has been
followed. the officials said, but
in various cases the accused
has gone to trial and has won
a fine of less than $40.
Cut Traffic Congestion.
ITO a great degree. expedient
movement of traffic is impaired
by this violation" the three off,
Gals said, land if it can be
eliminated it will noticeably re-
duce traffic congestion and i'm
prove safety.
"It is the hope of all those
attending the conference that it
will not be necessary to impose
many fines. and that the people
of the District will be conscious
of the situation and will comply
with the regulation. thus In
many instances promoting safety
to both pedestrians and motor
lists.
Those who insist on violating
this regulation, however, will be
dealt with accordingly"