LONDON’S GROWTH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 May 1938, Page 9

LONDON’S GROWTH

TRAFFIC AND OTHER PROBLEMS EXPANSION TO END The view that the solution of traffic congestion in London did not depend on the restriction of the growth of the metropolis, but on the proper distribution of population and industry, was expressed by Mr Frank Pick, vice-chairman of the London Passenger Transport Board. Giving evidence to the Royal Commission on the Distribution of the Industrial Population, sifting at Westminster, he said that: — London’s population would cease to expand within seven years. A population of 12,000,000 would ultimately be required to support the Transport Board’s undertaking against 9,700,000 in its area now. London could not become fully developed beyond 12 or 15 miles from the centre. A study of London's problem, said Mr Pick, had led him to the conclusion that the ill-effects of concentration of population could be remedied by improved planning. Questioned by the chairman. Sir Montague Barlow, Mr Pick said he did not agree that London’s growth was a “national menace.” “There are industrial and economic amenities.” he added, “which are just as important as other amenities we hear about." Restriction of industrial growth, he said, would tend to create London’s own special areas.

Dealing with “rush hour” periods. Mr Pick observed: “Some relief may come from the staggering of hours, but this appears not to be a popular movement among the working-class people.”

Mr Pick, replying to Mr Bevin. general secretary of the Transport and General Workers’ Union, said that it would be a great mistake to employ a flat fare, because it would make site values outside London almost the same as in London so far as housing was concerned.