Liverpool's transport heritage
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VIEWED from the 1980s, the transport world of the 1950s looks almost as remote as that of 1900, concludes J. Joyce, author of Roads, Rails and Ferries of Liverpool 7900-1950 (Ian Allan; £7.95). Vehicles have changed: trams and open-platform halfcab buses are a memory; and cars and television have altered travel patterns. But more fundamental, he says, is the enforced realisation that roads are not an end in themselves.
A great city and seaport with a rich heritage of individuality, Liverpool developed a distinctive transport network embracing railways, tramways, buses and ferries. This book, with scores of good photos, traces the growth of Merseyside's transport system in this period of intense activity. Quotations also recall bygone days: even from Meccano Magazine (1954): "Eventually the only relics of Liverpool's once universal tramways will be their gross tracks, enhanced by trees into boulevards, running like pleasant green ribbons down the centres of the city's fine suburban roads."
A lovely idea, but where are Merseyside PTE's buses going to go?
Going back a bit further — to 1913 — and an interesting if perhaps implausible idea was put forward by Liverpool's tramways manager, C. W. Mallins, for 10 miles of new tramways exclusively for dock freight. Later came the suggestion for a trackless trolley system. But the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board hesitated; while it did so, as Manchester's tramways manager, H. M. McElroy said, petrol, steam and electric vehicles had "revolutionised matters". However, in those days there were still around 10,000 horsedrawn vehicles — average speed 21/2mph and frustrating motorists — using Liverpool Docks.
Local authorities in the earlier years of this century, says the author, believed that cheap, convenient and abundant local transport services were an essential factor in enhancing the quality of urban life. An acceptance today of the social role of public transport brings us nearer in spirit to their ideals. Ian Allan, Shepperton, Surrey, TW17 8AS.