OTIRA ROAD TO. COAST

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29270, 30 July 1960, Page 11

OTIRA ROAD TO. COAST

Section Hazardous For Buses, Trailers Buses and cars towing trailers may be prohibited from using State highway 73 (Christchurch to Kumara) on the stretch between Peg Leg Creek and Otira because of dangers on the road, said a letter to the Automobile Association (Canterbury). A letter from the Ministry of Works asking for the association’s views on the likely effect of restrictions on this stretch of highway was read to the meeting by the president (Mr E. R. Casbolt). The letter said it had been suggested that in the interests’ of road safety the National Roads Board might prohibit the use of large buses and cars towing trailers on this stretch of highway. Very steep grades, sharp corners with limited visibility, narrow formation and rapid changes in surface conditions after rain were among the dangers found on the stretch of highway, the letter said. Any views the association had on the matter would be taken into account when the board discussed the matter, the letter added. Mr Casbolt said: “Those who know this section will certainly agree.” The secretary (Mr E. R.- Palliser) referred to the stretch of highway as “hazardous.” The council decided to refer the letter to its West Coast branch.