Success of Leeds Transport Exhibition WELL-DESERVED congratulations YV were extended
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to the Leeds Chamber of Commerce at the opening, last Monday, of the exhibition on roadtransport problems.
The central feature of the exhibition, which closes this evening, has been the large road-model of the B.R.F. In realistic manner, with moving traffic in miniature, this model illustrates modern types of highway contrasted with the tortuous character of the present road system.
How our road system has failed to keep pace with developments in the construction of motor vehicles and is hampering progress in this direction, has been illustrated by models and photographs in an exhibit jointly staged by the Yorkshire Area of A.R.O. and the North-Eastern Division of the C.M.U.A.
At the opening of the exhibition 'a frank speech made by Sir Bernard Lomas Walker, chairman of West Riding County Council, was remark able because in it be suggested yhat would amount to further protection for the railways!
Sir Bernard remarked that it was not merely a question of finding the money or the engineers to carry out road works; they were also faced with the question of what was to happen to the railways. As roads were improved there was a danger of railways falling into disuse. The Ministry of Trans port should have power to direct what traffic should go on the roads and what traffic on the railways.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds (Alderman John Badlay) had something to say about the number of railway level crossings still to be found on main roads. He remarked that, considering the congestion caused to traffic, and the amount contributed in taxation which ought to be used for road development, he wondered how people had the patience to wait so long for level crossings to be tunnelled or bridged.
The Chamber has supplemented its exhibition by publishing in book-form a collection of authoritative articles on the subjects of the exhibition.
The contributions to the bOok include an article, "What about the Roads? " by Mr. R. Gresham Cooke, secretary of the B.R.F. Mr. Cooke says:—" The delays, the waste of fuel, and the danger resulting from a road system that was adequate for the horse but is inadequate for the motor, are bringing an incalculable loss to trade and industry. Road accidents alone are costing the country over £20,900,000 per annum. . . ."
Two articles, one dealing with the development of the commercial vehicle and the other with the development of the private car, are contributed by Colonel D. C. McLagan, D.S.O., secre tary of the Society of Motor Manufac turers and Traders, who says that " the importance of road transport to industry cannot be overrated, and, in this respect, the retarding effect of unnecessary regulations and inadequate roads is even more serious than in the case of private cars. . . ."
Copies of the book may be secured from the Leeds Incorporated Chamber of Commerce, 26 and 27, Park Row, Leeds, 1, at a price of Is. 6d. per copy, including postage.