An end to meddling
Page 2
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THE REPORT on transport in London could have been written on most major cities in the country. It raises two important issues which are as national as they are local.
The physical aspect of transport suffers from overmuch political interference. Professional transport managers are required too frequently to act contrary to their commercial beliefs in order to satisfy the aspirations and policies of their political masters. It is to their credit that they provide any type of service.
The best example of walking the political tightrope and maintaining a service with a commercial approach is in London. Here, Sir Peter Masefield, apointed by Conservatives and more recently working with Socialists, has achieved much more than could have been expected. But Sir Peter is a skilled diplomat.
The second issue is the maintenance of acceptable road standards. Local authority highway engineers frequently find their long-term plans overturned by a change of council. At best they are faced with a watered-down plan after each election.
These are matters of national proportions and there is no instant solution to transport problems. Transport must be taken out of the political arena. Qualified men's expertise should not be subjected to the whims and fancies of the butchers, bakers and candlestick makers who occupy the seats of our council chambers.
We need a stable system, continuity of service and a long-term maintenance, programme that is free from the vacillations of politicians.