Why Block Traffic for Months ?
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MANY passers-by and shoppers have marvelled at the slow progress which is being made with the reinstatement of the road at St. Giles's Circus, that important junction between Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road, London.
The fracture of the water main which flooded the whole area, including a portion of the Underground Railway and neighbouring basements, occurred some weeks before Christmas, and, despite the enormous inconvenience caused to traffic and the thousands of pounds' worth of business lost by neighbouring restaurants, business houses, etc., only a few workers are to be seen on the site of the excavations, and, for some reason, parts of the task appear to be held up indefinitely.
It has even been suggested to us that some delaying controversy is4taking place between the various parties concerned, but why not proceed with the work and finish it quickly, instead of penalizing the public and local traders? It would be a simple matter to define responsibility and apportion expenditure when things are again normal.
Vehicle Taxation Already Far Too Heavy.
RT UMOURS are afloat concerning the possible increase of the tax upon petrol, one actually to the effect that the present rate of 4d. per gallon may be doubled. If this were to be done the additional burden upon the operator of a 6-ton lorry would be in the neighbourhood of i72 per annum, whilst each double-deck bus would cost some £104 per annum more on account of the higher price of fuel.
When such proposals are even being considered what hope is there of industrial revival? Increased transport cost g are a tax upon industry of every kind. Has it never occurred to those in authority to do as the haulier does—cut his operating costs when he cannot increase his income?