THE COST OF OUR ROADS.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—In answer to your correspondent, " E. H. B.," in your issue of June 2nd, I agree that heavy commercial vehicles under the present illogical and unfair system of motor taxation are not paying their proportionate share for the use of the roads. At present the ratepayer is finding about three- quarters of the total of £50,000,000 a year now spent in the upkeep of roads, while the owners of motor vehicles are paying the remaining quarter. The ordinary motor-car does little, if any, damage to the modern main road consolidated with tar or a bituminous carpet, though on gravel roads in country districts the numerous potholes testify to the wear caused on that type of road.
There is a feeling throughout the country that before long first-class roads used mainly by through traffic should either be maintained nationally or that through traffic should pay a much larger share of the cost of maintenance, say 80 to 90 per cent. as against 50 per cent. as at present. The soundest method of motor taxation is the old form of a tax on motor spirit which automatically taxes power, speed, weight and use. The present tax is only upon ownership, irrespective of use, which is obviously absurd.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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