'Good Progress on the New Motorways
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BRITAIN'S road programme was outlined by the Minister of Transport, Mr. Harold Watkinson, in London on Tuesday. He said four major projects were under way and a fifth—an improved road from London to South Wales— should be started in spring.
The schemes on which work was already proceeding included the New Great North Road, which would have dual-carriageways for 168 miles of its length, the London-Birmingham-Preston Motorway, of which the Preston By-pass would be opened on December 5, improved roads to the Channel ports and a Midlands to South Wales Motorway.
A focal point of three of these schemes was their junction near Birmingham. It was proposed to carry the connecting link on a viaduct above the railway through Smethwick and Oldbury.
In addition, many smaller but important traffic relief schemes were under way. They included the Staines By-pass, the Slough and Maidenhead By-pass and the Medway Motor Road. So far, 51 miles of trunk roads had been built, 194 miles were under construction and 856 miles were planned.
The progress of road schemes in the West Midlands and North West, which are costing £22m., was examined firsthand, last week, by Mr. Watkinson. First he inspected the Ross By-pass and the 20-mile Ross Motorway, which will be carrying much of the traffic between Birmingham and South Wales, At Northwich he studied work on the new Northwich by-pass, before visiting the new Runcorn-Widnes Bridge, the Stretford-Eccles By-pass, including the new Barton Bridge, and the Preston and Lancaster by-passes.
BUS COMPANY RATING APPEALS SUCCEED
TW0 valuation appeals by the Trent Motor Traction Co., Ltd., were heard at Derby, last week, and in both cases a reduction was granted. They concerned the company's workshops and garage at Uttoxeter New Road, Derby.
In the first case .a rateable value assessment of £655 contained in the old valuation list ending March, 1956, was reduced to £222. The original asspment conceded only partial industrial relief, whereas the new one gives complete industrial relief.
The second appeal concerned the new valuation list assessment dating from April 1, 1956. A net annual value figure of £2,500 was reduced to £2,350, and the rateable value assessment was reduced.
TIGER CUB AXLE CHANGE
AN improved design of heavy-duty two-, speed axle has been developed by Leyland Motors, Ltd., as optional equipment in the Tiger Cub range of lightweight underfloor-engined passenger chassis, it may be fitted in all models except those equipped with PneumoCyclic transmissions. The new axle has Leyland-designed hubs, brakes and axle beam and an Eaton driving head.