MAINTENANCE OF ROADS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19274, 12 March 1926, Page 14

MAINTENANCE OF ROADS

INCREASING ANNUAL COST.

CONCERN IN FRANKLIN AREA. LOCAL MOTOR TAX PROPOSED. [73Y TELEGRAPH. —OWN con RESPONDENT.] PUKEKOHE, Thursday. Complaint that motor traffic is putting a greater burden on rural ratepayers than they can bear in the cost of maintenance, of roads was made at to-day's meeting of the Franklin County Council. The engineer, Mr. J. F. Mo Arthur, reported:—"Further financial provision will require to bo made in the near future if adequate maintenance is to be carried out on existing metal roads. Owing to the increased traffic generally, the metal roads, including ones laid down within the past few years, are showing decided signs of wear. I have found during past years that the revenue available in the ridings has not been sufficient to maintain the metal surfaces and carry out very necessary side work. If the roads are to be kept safe for traffic, and in good order, some form of motor tax will be necessary, which should be payable direct by the motor owners to the county. I would suggest that strong representation be made to the proper authorities in this connection." The chairman, _ Mr. H. Wilcox, and other members agreed that the rates could not be increased, as many ratepayers already found it difficult to meet the demands. More money for maintenance would be available in four years or so when the council had repaid its antecedent liability,'but in the meanwhile the position was becoming acute and a permanent solution must be found. The chairman pointed out that in New Zealand the tax on a car for road purposes was only £2 per annum, as against over £2O in England. The amount would have to be increased here, as probably two-thirds of the wear on the 1 roads was due to motor traffic, It was agreed to communicate with the Counties Association on the matter, with a view to united representations to the Government.