Better Tunnel Returns

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31384, 1 June 1967, Page 14

Better Tunnel Returns

There had been greater use of the tunnel during the railway strike, and there were indications that new use of the tunnel during the strike had continued because advantages became apparent, the chairman (Mr R. A. Witbrock) told the ChristchurchLyttelton Road Tunnel Authority yesterday. Total traffic up to May 30 had increased by 20,830 vehicles, which was 23.9 per cent, compared with a drop

of 7.3 per cent in April, he said. The motor-car traffic increase was 17,297, or 26.3 per cent against a budget increase of 10 per cent Trucks had increased by 3455, which was 41.4 per cent At £13,009, the total toll revenue for the month was £1245 more than in May last year and £2509 over the budget estimate. It appeared that goods tolls for the month would be approximately £2750, which was £1175 over the budget estimate. Mr Witbrock said that in addition to the strike, the tunnel traffic had been affected by the more regular berthing of two ships at Cashin quay. Another factor

had been the visit to Lyttelton of the U.S.S. Gridley. In April traffic dropped by 7552 vehicles, and total toll revenue was down by £2252 to £13,157, but it was £1692 over the budget figures. The figures were quite satisfactory, Mr Witbrock commented. The railway strike had confirmed his view that there was hardly any need for a train to meet the steamer express, Mr Witbrock said. Road transport was just as capable of handling the passengers. It was a pity that the Railways Department had not been far-sighted enough to put its bus depot at the main railway station in Christ- , church, Mr J. B. Collett said.