THE SPA ROAD

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 40, 15 October 1952, Page 4

THE SPA ROAD

JT is highly desirable that something should be done to improve the Spa Road as a thoroughfare for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The maintenance of this road is a responsibility of the State, not the Taupo Town Board, as it is classed as a main highway. It carries a constant stream of traffic. Moreover, following a recent decision of the Town Board, logging trucks and other heavy traffic have been banned from the residential thoroughfares in the town area and must in future use the Spa Road and the main highway round the Lake. This will increase the wear and tear on the Spa Road surface, which has not yet been sealed, and in consequence deteriorates very rapidly. It is stated that sealing should have been done two years ago in accordance with assurances given. These assurances should be made good without further delay. A petition has been drafted, and is now in circulation for signatures, pressing the Town Board to take action. Though not legally responsible for the upkeep of Spa Road, the Board has a duty to the ratepayers and resldents to see that their convenience and safety as road users are safeguarded. The need for action grows more acute with the approach of the summer season and the heavy increase of traffic associated with the annual influx of holiday-makers. Many cars and pedestrians use the Spa Road enroute to and from the A.C. Baths, the Golf Links and the Spa Hotel. The dust nuisance will be intensified increas'ng the risk of accidents. The ruinble of heavy traffic over unpaved rcad surface must ^e very disturbing to the patients in the Taupo Hospit?l, especially when the new Casualty Ward is open for the reception and treatment of cases. From every point of view the petitioners have a strong case which should be a vaiuable reinforcement for the Board's argument for immediate action by the State Department.