American Operators Against Toll Roads
Page 36
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THERE are various views in Britain as to the advisability or otherwise of encouraging the building of toll roads. Some people consider that they should be allowed, failing adequate arrangements for the financing and construction of improved main thoroughfares by the Government. Others are completely against the principle, believing that operators already pay far too much in various ways without being subjected to further impositions. These might, however, be countered by the higher average speed of traffic and possible savings in fuel, although experience abroad has shown that such reductions of cost are not considerable, being largely outweighed by the higherconsumption involved in speeding.
It is of interest to learn what American " truckers " think of such roads, of which there is a number in the States.
The associations concerned are stated to be seri ously disturbed by recurring reports of proposals which would encourage and virtually force the States into a widespread adoption of the toll method of financing new construction.
It is thought impracticable and unwise to build duplicate public roads where existing toll roads already form links in the inter-state system. They therefore support proposals to use the Federal funds normally available to -construct such duplicating public roads, for the liquidation of outstanding bonds and the conversion of existing toll roads into the free system.
Motor-vehicle owners have, through their van. ous organizations, emphasized repeatedly through the past few years, that they object to the spread of toll roads. The fact that these roads are used considerably is by no means an endorsement of such facilities, but really a reflection on the serious inadequacy of many of the public highways.