HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 11

HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC.

WAIKATO COUNTY ROADS,

LOADED LIMIT OF 1\ TONS.

"SOMETHING MUST BE DONE." [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, "Wednesday. Writing to the Waikato County Council yesterday in reference to motor-lorry traffic, Mr. F. G. Storey, of Waiterimu, stated that he couid not too strongly urge the council to prohibit the running of motor-vehicles which when loaded exceeded 2£ tons. The lorries broke through the crust of the metal and scooped up the clay from under the surface, in addition to which they damaged the planks and stringers of the light, bridges. "We are paying and will continue to pay for some years yet, a rate for interest on a loan spent on metalling," ho said. The usefulness of the road had disappeared in consequence of the destruction caused by heavy traffic, and unless such vehicles were prohibited there was going to bo an increase in tho already huge rate account.

Mr. Storey contended that the ratepayers would be better with the old clay road and the light traffic. If tho council levied £1000 per annum on the large motor-trucks it might in some measure pay for the damage done, but it would not cover the total amount. Members endorsed Mr. Storey's arguments. Mr. T. H. Henderson said that with tho present rates the roads could not be kept, in a state of repair. Messrs. \Y. Newel] and T. Clarkin said they considered a road of sandy formation "to bo the. most suitable for heavy traffic. It was suggested by Mr. Henry, however, that light, swift travelling cars caused tho disintegration of tho surface of the roads more than heavy lorries. The council was unanimous in agreeing with Mr. Storey that it was osscutial to do something with regard to heavv motor traffic and it was decided to get the opinion of the solicitor on tho matter.