GERMANY’S MOTOR ROADS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 112, 21 November 1938, Page 4

GERMANY’S MOTOR ROADS

ABSENCE OF TRAFFIC TWOFOLD EXPLANATION' Some questions which the mere cautious critics have been asking aiiout Germany’s high speed motor roads have been answered as a result . of j.) recent inspection by a party of British motoring journalists oi the system of autobahnen. Aided- by very efficient Nazi publicity, tbo roads have been held up as a jnodel for the wodd- In some respects they are; but there is another side to the picture. It has become increasingly apparent, from the flood of pictures of autobahnen, that, while the roads are admirably designed to. bear a large volume of motor traffic at speeds of up to 1001 m.p.h., they are far from being used to their capacity.

“What makes the German motorAvavs so fantastic is the absence oi traffic,” says one of the party, Avriting in an English motoring journal. “They gave the impression, of the Avork of some forgotten civilisation, like Stonehenge.” The explanation of this appears to he twofold. Like most public works of the kind to-day, the roads have been built Avitli a sharp eye to defence requirements, and less regard t<> present use and economies. Secondly, Herr Hitler’s scheme for produci »g a * cheap “people’s ear” contemplates an immense accession to the ranks of motorists once it is in full production. Ahead of Requirements. As to speed capabilities, ten, Germany is planning ahead Avliile most other countries, protesting the cost of such provision in relation to their more conventional budget, are still struggling to catch up with current requirements. Actually, the visitors found that most traffic on the autobahnen appeal's to lie "moving at not more than 55 to GO m.p.h. ; and it is questionable whether the car of to-day would stand up satisfactorily to long-sustain-ed high speeds, such as are puss'bio on these roads. “And if you break down on the autobahnen you have a long Avay to push for'help,” comments the writer. “Money in Germany is being spent ...... like Avater,” he continues,, “hut it is. V‘not for the benefit of the private motorist, who is conspicuous by his - v „ absence- “ Again, the scheme has a long way. w to go yet. -a-'N??!* “But, remember, too, in' fairness,"livs&k that Avhat has been done in all-a short' five years’ work—a period we are capable of spending on the erection ol a *-; single bridge.” ■