LEVEL CROSSINGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22709, 23 October 1935, Page 3

LEVEL CROSSINGS

IMPROVEMENT SCHEME Commenting on the announcement by the Government that the Main Highways Board, the Railways Board, and the Unemployment Board have set aside £360,000 to be expended during the next three years for the improvement of railway level crossings, in most cases by the construction of overhead bridges or subways, the annual report of the Automobile Association (Wellington) states that this decision is one of considerable importance. The decision, it is stated, is the result of representations made to the Government by motoring organisations, and the committee wishes to place on record the fact that Mr A. E. Ansell, M.P., was instrumental in making the first movement when he brought the matter before the Government in Parliament during last session. "A large number of motorists," the report continues, "have gained the impression that the Government's intention is to improve all level crossings by means of the construction of overbridges or subways. For this reason it is as well to point out that there are approximately 3000 level crossings in New Zealand, and to eliminate the whole of them would cost in the vicinity of £18,000,000. It will be recognised, therefore, that by the expenditure of a sum of £300,000 only, the activities of the Government will be confined to the most dangerous crossings, only a small number of which can be eliminated."