Dedicate road space for walking and riding

It has recently been reported that local State politicians are hot-mouthing over road expenditure.

The city mayor has long shown his preference, gambling on oiled genocide.

Every day global warming and climate change caused through carbon fuels is reported.

Every minute that I choose to stand observing road-traffic I see large numbers of single occupant vehicles on unnecessary journeys.

I have a simple proposal that would not only improve our living conditions by reducing pollution, save the nation's oil bill, but also create local employment.

I suggest that all roads be reduced in width by 50 percent.

Half the road on city main roads be used for two way flow and, in suburban areas, a one-way system for internal combustion engined vehicles.

The other half be separated by crash barriers.

Dedicate this half to pedestrians, bicycles and solar panel recharged electric battery powered vehicles similar to those currently used by the disabled.

The electric carts generally have an ability to travel up to 50 km between charges ie. Woy Woy to Erina and back.

If the solar panel is incorporated into the vehicle as a sun and rain shield, recharging will continue throughout the day as the vehicle is being used.

Economies of scale will result in a very affordable vehicle which if assembled locally will create employment.

In fact that cost should be subsidised out of the tax levied on oil and rates used for road building/maintenance.

Other obvious advantages include increased use of public transport and resulting economy of scale, a reduction in the road maintenance costs and injury toll through enforced speed and volume reduction, a society that relearns "how to smell the roses", a reduction in mental afflictions, and encouragement for people to walk and speak with their neighbours thus creating real communities while reducing obesity.

Richard J Newby, Woy Woy