The Main-road Problem
Page 31
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T-HERE is a fear in the minds of some transport users that all the publicity which is being given to the na • tional control of our main traffic arteries may result in these than their just share of attention. receiving more The time is rapidly approaching—if it be not already here—when practically every road of importance must be considered as a main thoroughfare, and whilst the improving of certain extensively used roads is admittedly a matter of vital urgency, yet, in our opinion, and in that of many others, the provision of satisfactory and safe alternative routes is but little less so.
Twenty-foot one-way links, if there be no counter attractions, may merely, draw further traffic and, eventually, result in, even greater congestion through concentration on them. That is more than half the trouble to-day. The greater number of our roads is barely used, whilst the remainder become nightmares, particularly at holiday periods. That, in our view, is the real problem, and one which requires the closest investigation.
It is a matter of filtering the traffic through a num ber of outlets in each direction instead of endeavouring to induce it to pour through one. If this could be done we should not have the constant spectacle of miles of traffic held up, possibly by some quite unimportant piece of roadwork. There are many, excellent roads, often not far removed. from the favourite routes, which could be opened up, straightened, and properly signposted as alternatives. The cost would, no doubt, prove considerable, particularly as many more bridges would have to be rebuilt, but the whole subje,ct is 'a major problem and must be viewed a.Ccordingly. ". Road users pay dearly for the little they receive, and even the much-vaunted five-year ,plan of road irnprovement is but small return _for their gross contributions, so that they are fully justified in demanding facilities which will promote both safety and efficiency.