TRAFFIC IN AUCKLAND

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 37, 13 February 1929, Page 6

TRAFFIC IN AUCKLAND

"Alongside the 'traffic problem , gallops its -table companion the 'garage problem,' and never the twain .-shall part; nearer they hasten everv year to a state of chaos unless something be accomplished," says Lord Cottenham, the authority on motors and motoring, in reference to the ROO.OOO vehicles in London. It has been suggested that roads be erected above existing railway lines to accommodate bus traffic. Traffic experts say that the intersection traffic is the root of all the evils of congestion. Should crossings run one under the other, or should roads cross overhead ? There is plenty of scope for subways in Auckland, and at present it. is possible to* dedicate certain streets to one-way traffic. It is now time to consider and arrange for the doubling and trebling of our present congestion difficulties, which will not long be limited to the question of how to get people out and home during "rush hours." There is already delay in the outward stream of traffic immediately after business hours, and when all flats in and about the city are occupied, when the Auckland railway station is le.-s easily accessible, when suburban flat dwellers find they can afford a car. and when Auckland factories are more numerous and the old businesses employ more hands (yes. it will be so) j.nd the suburbs extend ever further and further from the city centre, what are •'problems" to-day will be but trifling difficulties compared with what will be the state of affairs if something is not done now to prepare for times ahead. Parking anywhere in a public street i- a c<ui-fc-Mon of want of foresight. Kvery private car should bo sure of covered garage room, and the

streets should lie free from Lifts fur ens could t jilvo man;, hundreds *if them to n.of };ara<;«»*. iin:i tliere are many flat roofs available ill Auckland which should In- petmitted to relieve our Mverts of all cars at present parked tlu'iv. The bungalow dwellers of to-day are hardly likely to surrender the independence of their present homes for residential flats in or near the city. mid it i< inevitable that ears and their upkeep will les:-en until a mechanic's will cover tliv c.st witliuiit (liKcoinfort. to the housekeeper, therefore (,ur c:u- buying has not reached saturation point and it is time to prepare for mure crowdel streets, an iiverajje tv.enty-milc-an-liotir nioveiuent and iiuTfic iny demands for room, more room -11. A.Y.