Traffic changes are not normally the sort of thing to set the pulse racing, but they have landed one taxi driver his place in history.

Kenneth (Smokey) Thompson was waiting at 6 a.m. to be the first one to drive down Burnaby Street as it opened for two-way traffic yesterday.

"He was very keen to be the first one down through that road,'' Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt said. "He told some of the workers that he was the first person to go through another road about 25 years ago.'' Mr. Sherratt, who helped oversee the change, said it had gone well. He said the Corporation had made the switch because under the old one-way system drivers wanting to get to Church Street from Reid Street had to go via Queen Street.

He said there had been one minor accident yesterday in Lower Reid Street when a bike went into the back of car, but that had been unrelated to the traffic change.

Police spokesman Coleman Easton also said the new system had gone smoothly.

Mr. Sherratt said the changes in Burnaby Street were part of a long-term plan to reduce traffic congestion at the heart of the city -- particularly around lower Reid Street and Queen Street.

He said also on the agenda was the pedestrianisation of lower Reid Street, although delivery trucks would still be allowed through.

The Corporation has already extended sidewalks on the Burnaby/Reid Street junction to allow more space for pedestrians.

He said: "It's a key shopping area and we are looking for ways to make it more pleasant and attractive for pedestrians. We want to improve traffic flow through the city.

"We tried pedestrianisation in 1976, but it was unsuccessful because we just put up barriers and did nothing to enhance the city.

"This time we are talking about making it more attractive with street furniture and trees.

"We are at the research stage and are looking at other cities around the world.'' SMOOTH TRANSITION: Traffic flows both ways on Burnaby Street yesterday after it was changed from a one-way street to ease traffic congestion.

TRAFFIC TFC