NO CROSS-TRAFFIC

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20287, 12 April 1938, Page 4

NO CROSS-TRAFFIC

REDUCING TRAFFIC DANGERS It is beginning to be realised that no real progress in the reduction of traffic accidents will ever be made until highways are so built as to eliminate crosstraffic and the proximity of pedestrians. This has been proved by experiences in Germany and Italy with special motor roads, but, perhaps, the most telling evidence in support of this opinion is contained in American statistics relating to the use of the Holland tunnels which pass beneath the Hudson River and connect New York with the State of New Jersey. Each tunnel is slightly over a mile in length, and carries two roads 20 feet wide, fast and slow vehicles being segregated. Vehicle traffic only is permitted on these roads, and they are always dry and perfectly lighted. Furthermore, vehicles are not permitted to stop while passing along these underground roads. These tunnels were completed 10 years ago at a cost of £10,000,000, and during that time over 100,000,000 vehicles, mostly motor cars, have used them. Motor traffic has to maintain a minimum speed of 30 m.p.h. while passing beneath the river, and capable mechanics are stationed at fixed points to get stalled vehicles moving again as quickly as possible. In that first 10 years, only five fatalities occurred, three to motorists, and two to employees working in the tunnels. In other words, five fatalities to over 100,000,000 miles of travel. This must be the most remarkable record of road safety in the history of motoring, and indicates what can be achieved when cross-traffic and pedestrians are kept away from through route highways.