ITALY'S AUTOSTRADES

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 39, 15 February 1930, Page 27

ITALY'S AUTOSTRADES

The finest roads in the world are to be seen in Italy. There are not many of them, but a scheme has been started which will entirely rebuild 13,000 miles of road at a cost of 4000 lire a mile. These roads are called autostrades. At present only a smajl mileage has boen completed by private enterprise, which is subsidised by the Italian Government. In course of time the system will bo nationalised. A small charge is made for the use of the roads, and, though no racing is allowed, there is no speed limit. These autostrades are wonderful. There are no side turnings, nothing being allowed to impinge on the main track, and crossings go either under or over the autostrade. The first of these great motorways, extending from Milan to the' foot of Lake Maggioro, has been constructed, and 20,000 men are- working in other parts of the country.

One-way traffic has done a great deal to spood up traffic at the various "circuses" which are a feature of London streets, but they are not popular with the general public, which finds it very difficult to cross the live stream of traffic which constantly surges along during busy hours.

Tho worst British roads are to he found in tho Highlands of Scotland, but improvements aro at hand. To'say that Scottish roads aro bad is to speak relatively. They are not as good as English roads, but to conform to such a standard roads would be Bearljj perfect. ;