New By-pass Saves • 30-minute Drive
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LORRY drivers using the Preston By-pass have found that they can cover the 84--Miles in 13 minutes, a saving of half an hour on the old route through the town centre. Although the new road has been invaded by sightseers, congestion at each end has gradually been reduced, and speeds have increased.
At the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister said industry and commerce would be helped by the greater efficiency which would result from better roads. Inthis way the country could expect a quick return on the large amount of capital involved in road projects.
The first vehicle to pass through the barrier after Mr. Macmillan had officially opened the by-pass was a Leyland 9-ton Super Comet which made a series of test
runs at about 70 m.p.h. with complete safety. Weighted to 14 tons, the lorry showed that less fuel was used at a higher constant speed than at a lower speed on a normal British trunk road. When cruising at 45 m.p.h.., the oileng;ned Super Comet used 13 per cent. less fuel Than it did at 23 m.p.h. on normal trunk running.
[John F. Moon's impressions of the motorway, obtained at the wheel of a Leyland, arc reported on page 691.]