THE SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD [To the Editor of
THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—There was a time within the memory of some when Walt Whitman's ringing words were full of happy significance and the only vexation was the " scorching " cyclist ; a time when it was possible to go "afoot and light hearted" and to know that "whatever I shall meet on the road I shall like." Today the only surviving reminders of those halcyon days are a few quiet country lanes which are not yet disturbed by the petrol army. It is for the preservation of these that this letter pleads.
• The Ramblers' Association (which is the union of Federa- tions all over the country, with over 40,000 members) is con- cerned with the maintenance of the rights and privileges of those who delight in country walking, and to this end stands in jealous guard over footpaths, ancient traekways and those lesser roads that are in danger of being forever lost to way- farers unless the public can be induced to help preserve them.
It is true that the Ministry of Transport points to over 1,800 miles of new footpaths made by the Road Fund, but these are all alongside high roads with their noisy, high-speed traffic. The crying need is for more footpaths in sequestered places and the retention of country lanes as such.
Happily the community has the necessary power if only it will exercise it. Under the Road Traffic Act of 1930 the Minister of Transport may, on the application of a Council (county, borough or urban district) and after holding a public inquiry, prohibit or restrict the driving of motor vehicles over any specified road on the grounds that such driving is dan- gerous to the persons driving, or that it is dangerous to persons using the road, or that the road is 'unsuitable. By a later Amending Act (1935) the Ministry may "classify roads in any manner it thinks fit having regard to their character and situation,' or-the nature of traffic to which they are suited.'
Thus it -only 'remains for country lovers to enumerate the lanes and" toads in their own localities which it is desirable to schedide'With due regard to the reasonable convenience of the inhabffinits, and to induce their local 'authorities to Make application to the Ministry of Transport for Such restriction or classification as -will tend to Preserve the rural features of these lanes. '
The Ramblers' Association would be glad' to hear from any who are prepared to assist in this matter.-Yours,' &c.,
T. ARTHUR- LEoNAniti.
7 Buckingham Palace Gardens, London,- S.-W.1, .
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