the section of the annual report of the Police Force which deals with traffic, it is stated that the total number of vehicles of all types showed an increase up to the commencement of hostilities in August but a marked decrease was apparent during the remainder of the year.
The Northern and Eastern Areas were closed to traffic on August 14 and remained closed to normal traffic up to the end of the year.
Consequent' upon the closure of these areas, and the influx of refugees a large increase of traffic occurred in the Central and Western Areas.
There were 0,088 Chineso'and 961 foreign prosecutions for traffic fences during the year. 18 Foreig and 343 Chinese drivers were prose uted and convicted for excessive and unnecessary use-of the horn, while the driving licences of 20 chauffeurs were suspended on account of repeated convictions for this offence.
A total of 8,372 reports were received against drivers stopping with the right-hand side of vehicle next to the kerb and in 1,193 eases Court pro-coedings were tairen.
3,777 reports were received against drivers for exceeding the "Waiting period or waiting during prohibited hours and Court proceedings were instituted in 959 cases.
"The "Ball" system approved by the Chinese Court for Chinese and non~ Extraterritorial Foreigners continued to show a saving of time to all concerned. Out of 6.449 prosecutions during the year, bail was furnished in (009 cases.
Several changes in the trame regulations were effected during the year. Among. the more important Were those concerning "Pedestrian Crossings." "Vehicles stopping at the kerb," "Waiting on Ricsha Stands, and "Passing stationary vehicles at inter sections.
"Automatic signals installed _experimentally at the intersections of Foochow-Kiangse and Nanking-Szechuen Roads during the latter part of 1936 and the beginning of this year respectively, proved successful in maintaining a proportionately even Mow of trame with safety and in re-Hieving trame constables from fixes points, enabling them to attend, to Slow moving trate at these intersec~ tions, These signals were taken into regular service during the year.
The total number was classified ander the following headings:—Private, Trucks including Private Omnibuses and Charabanes 1,070; Public Trucks U3. A total of 4914 vehicles were Inspected during the year of which defects. 112 were suspended for mechanical
16 vehicles were tied with Charcoal Gas Burners showing a decrease of 14 compared with last year. Vehicles equipped with Solid Tyres showed a further decrease of 16, there fon the roads at the end of Out. of 77 calls received from Stations to examine trucks concerned in accidents 27 were found to be defective. There were 1,071 cases of prosecutions for overloading as} Against 1,063 in 1936.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.