Traffic Co-ordination Essential
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THE restriction of city fraffic mainly to public transport was forecast as a future necessity by Sir Herbert J. Manzoni, chief engineer and chief surveyor of Birmingham, at the Institute of Traffic Administration, Birmingham centre, annual dinner last Friday.
There would be no "touring about" in private cars in city centres, said Sir Herbert, and it would be absolutely necessary to establish a single control of all forms of transport covering rail, p.s.v., goods and car traffic. The days of freedom for cars and commercial vehicles to travel from door to door were passing or had passed; drastic restrictions would have to be introduced to co-ordinate the various services. Private cars were an important element in the standard of living of the people, but when the car population had increased twoto threefold there would be chaos if drivers had freedom to go where they liked when they liked.
Sir Herbert observed that dealing With rail in isolation was "all wrong ". The general closing of the lines did not solve anything apart from the rail's own, narrow economy. It was necessary to consider rail together with other forms of transport.
Tax Cut—or Rural Services Cut RURAL bus services run by the Midland Red company in parts of the Midlands may be withdrawn if the fuel tax is not reduced.
This warning was given last week by Mr. D. M. Sinclair, general manager of the company, in a letter to all Midland !VI.P.s and local authorities. He is seeking their support for the campaign for the abolition of the fuel tax. At present, he says, it is about 275 per cent and in 1962 cost the company nearly 1925,000.
It has been estimated that about 60 per cent of the Midland Red services are now operated at a loss.
Rallying Coaches A LTHOUGH some Bedford passenger PI, vehicles with vertical engines have an overall length of 30 ft. 4 in., they will be included in Section D of the Concours d'Elegance and section B of the. road route and driving tests of the National Coach Rally, which takes place at Blackpool on April 6-7. Details of the event are obtainable from Mr. W. Bearshaw, 10 Jeffrey Street, Ince, Wigan.
The first competitor will start from \\lean at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
People and Cities' pEOPLE and Cities" will be the title of a European conference to be organized by the British Road Federation in London on December 10-12, 1963. Its object will be to emphasize the importance of considering all aspects of planning in the renewal of our contested urban areas