In
1914, traffic on Hamilton streets, particularly the main thoroughfares, was a hodge-podge
of many different types of vehicles.
Some traffic
regulations had been put in place but more were needed as, for example, mandatory
stops were not required at busy intersections, traffic lights were some years in
future to be instituted.
There was also no
requirement for vehicles to keep to the right side of the street.
On March 23, 1914, the Spectator
carried the following article in which the then-current traffic regulations
were reviewed. The review had been prompted by Police Chief Smith’s opinion
that there was so much open violation of traffic regulations. He issued orders
to his policemen that the bylaws would henceforth be enforced.
The article read as follows :
‘According to the by-laws, drivers of
heavy loads proceeding at a speed not exceeding four miles an hour, are
supposed to keep their wagons within six inches of the street curbing. This
enables lighter rigs, automobiles etc. to have a clear way for passing between
such wagons and the street car tracks.
“This regulation, however, has been
sadly violated by teamsters, the majority of whom, instead of keeping close to
the outer curb, drive either right on the car tracks, or midway between them
and the curbing, thus preventing lighter and faster traffic passing them without
more or less annoying delay.
“It has also become the custom of many
citizens to stand on the roadway at street corners, instead of the sidewalks
while waiting for street cars, which prevents drivers of rigs, automobiles etc.
from making a proper turn, and often forces them to make such a wide detour
that they frequently avoid street cars and other regular street traffic only by
a narrow margin, while trying to avert injury to people standing on the
roadway.
“According to the orders issued by the
chief of police, all this must stop at once, and every constable has been
instructed to ask citizens to stand on the sidewalks instead of on the streets
while waiting for cars.”1
1 “Traffic
By-Laws : Chief Smith Issues Instructions For Rigid Enforcement”
Hamilton Spectator March 23, 1914
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