NATIONAL HIGHWAYS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 283, 11 April 1929, Page 7

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS.

PROPOSED GOVERNMENT CONTROL. Rating by Local Bodies. There is an undercurrent of interest in motoring and local body circles in the possibility of nationalising the highways. Once an indication of the attitude of the new Government is given some definite move may be expected. Several local bodis have been suggesting i increase of the petrol tax to 6d a [ gallon and this will meet with strong opposition from all users of road transport. At present local bodies are not all taking advantage of the handsome offers made by the Highways Board and the £3 for £1 subsidy is apparently not sufficient bait. Most motorists will support the Board in refusing large subsidies. If highway finance is to come to such a state that local bodies are to -find only a quarter or a fifth of the cost and yet retain the power to procrastinate with works which are vital, motorists would prefer that the whole system of subsidies should be reviewed with a view to consideration of absolute control by the Highways Board. If the main roads were taken away from some of the lethargic bodies who are continually complaining about the damage done by external traffic, it would remove the only excuse for neglected secondary roads.

The nationalising of the highways would not necessarily mean that motorists would pay every penny. The national body could function under a system by which local bodies could be compelled to raise a contribution ly rating. This could be assessed on a basis determined by internal traffic and property improvement.