13 DECEMBER 1940, Page 14

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

is fortunate that the mobility and flexibility of motor trans- port enables diversions to be made when any road is damaged by enemy action. Diversions, however, inevitably mean congestion, delay and increased mileage for every vehicle diverted. Fuel con- sumption is higher and operating costs raised.

Although there has been an improvement in the speed of demo- lition of wrecked buildings, it is unfortunately the case that road- ways forming vital traffic areas are not being cleared rapidly enough. There are difficulties, of course, but the recently published photo- graph of a temporary bridge thrown over a crater in a London - thoroughfare while repairs to sewers, main services, &c., are being carried on below, shows at any rate one way of tackling the job.

Only a limited number of people are affected by the clearance of a wrecked building. An interruption to communications has results which are widespread. Road clearance must come first.—Yours