HORSE TRAFFIC IN LONDON
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIRS It is with some hesitation that I attempt to write on so great a problem as the traffic question in London, a problem which is exercising the minds of so many experts, and one which affects each of us individually. The Charing Cross Bridge, scheme, when completed, will undoubtedly relieve the present congestion in certain parts of the Metropolis, but there are many streets where widening is impracticable for many years to come. Then, too, statistics show that the volume of traffic is increasing steadily year by year.
With these facts before us, therefore, is it not time to realize that the source of much congestion could be removed by the abolition of all horse traffic in London during the day ? A suggestion such as this is bound to meet with much opposition.
One opponent may ask how I, a mere layman in matters relating to traffic control, can make such a statement. What, however, is the opinion of a 'bus driver obliged to reduce his speed to walking pace, because he is unable to pass a heavily laden coal cart ? What, again, is the view of a policeman directing traffic, for instance, up the steep South Approach to London Bridge, when, as frequently happens, a heavy horse- drawn van, brought to a standstill for a moment, takes several minutes to get started again up the slippery cobbled paving ?
Another source of opposition might be expected from those
who, from sentiment, still like to see the horse on a London street. Their sentiment is surely misplaced. Road surfaces and traffic conditions in general are to-day. unsuitable for the horse, and cruelty seems almost inevitable. Very truly did Lady Frances Younghusband say last week, " the position of the horse is a crying scandal."
In proposing so radical a reform, one must not forget the position of those who employ the horse in London, and who may be expected to be the greatest opponents of any scheme for its abolition. A considerable period of time must needs elapse between any decision to prohibit horse traffic, and the actual date of its prohibition. Then, too, it may be urged that the horse is more economical than a motor-driven vehicle for short distances in London. This from the horse-owner's point of view is probably true, but should the interests of the majority and our reputation as a horse-loving nation be allowed to suffer for the interests of a few P—I am, Sir, &c.,
-A. NEVILLE BAILLIE
The Beacon, Burke's Road, Beaconsfield.
[We have long thought that horse traffic should be prohibited in many much frequented thoroughfares from 10.0 a.m. to 6.0 p.m. In many American cities horse traffic is, of course, prohibited.—En. Spectator.]
Previous page
