HARBOUR TRAFFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1937, Page 10

HARBOUR TRAFFIC.

COMBATING CONGESTION.

A decision to approach several bodies interested in the improvement of trans~ harbour traffic facilities and to ask them* for a definite expression of opinion as to how the present congestion could be combated was reached at last night's meeting of the Devonport Borough Council.

A letter liad been received from the Harbour Bridge Company, drawing attention to the views of the City Council, which recognised the importance of the quo=ti<m. but did not think it should take the leading part in the negotiations. The City Council was unable to t;ike on the additional financial responsibility that the building of a bridge or a tunnel would incur.

Mr. E. Aidridge stated that the time liad gone by for these negative expressions of opinion. What was wanted was some positive, and practicable solution of the problem. If the time was not opportune for the inanimation of tlie major scheme of either a bridge or a tunnel, then the moment had definitely arrived for some scheme of amelioration of the present congeetion of traffic on busy days. There was a general opinion that a new vehicular ferry would not cope with the traffic, nor would the diversion of northern traffic via Northeote be ' appreciated by motorists. He believed that additional landing stages at Mechanics' Bay and Devonport be an essential feature of an improvement of the position. He suggested that the council write to the City Council, the Harbour Board, the Public Works Department and the Minister of Transport and ask for their positive opinions regarding the unification of vehicular traffic control *and the extension of facilities by the provision of more landing stages. Tfi'e council decided accordingly.