UPKEEP OF ROADS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19783, 7 May 1926, Page 10

UPKEEP OF ROADS.

BURDEN ON RATEPAYERS. TAX OX USERS SUGGESTED. (Peb United Pbess Association.) HAMILTON, May 6. The Hamilton Borough Council last night carried the following resolution: — "That the council views with the gravest concern the increasing burden which is being placed on the ratepayers in respect to the foundation and maintenance of streets, and unanimously expresses the opinion that such increased charges are due solely to the damage caused by motor traffic; that the whole of these charges place a totally inequitable burden on the ratepayers, and that the Government be strongly urged to introduce the necessary legislation during the coming session to transfer an equitable portion oi this burden from the ratepayers to the users of the roads and streets.” The council is to submit for the consideration of the Government a suggestion that the present annual license fee per vehicle bo substantially increased, such increase to be paid to the local authority in whose territory the vehicle is garaged; that a tax be levied on all patrol passed through pumps installed for the distribution of petrol, such tax to be paid direct to the local authority in whose district such pumps are installed; and that the net proceeds from the foregoing be used exclusively on the formation and maintenance of streets or roads within the territory of such local authority.