It seems generally admitted, that the present exemptions from toll granted to broad-wheeled waggons require to be revised, as the enormous weights which they carry render them more destructive to the materials of the roads than their supposed advantage in consolidating them can compensate. Without entering into the yet unsettled controversy respecting the superior utility of conical, barrelled, or cylindrical wheels, for the purpose of draught, it is perfectly evident, that the narrow part of the surface upon which wheels of the two first descriptions meet the ground, cannot give them the advantage of the roller. As soon as impolitic exemptions shall be abolished, and the tolls be regulated upon all carts and waggons, with wheels of a moderate width, in proportion either to the weight carried, or the number of horses, there will no longer be the same temptation to carry excessive loads; and it is probable that a new practice, regulated by private interest, may render it unnecessary to limit the weight allowed to be taken.
Some regulations appear to be absolutely required in respect to the conduct of tollkeepers, and the liability of renters, for the penalties imposed on their servants.
Your Committee have thus noticed a few of those objects of amendment which have presented themselves to their consideration. To reduce these and other proposed improvements into proper form—to digest the various provisions of former Acts—to expunge what is useless or injurious,—to reconcile what is contradictory—to re-model and arrange what is sound and useful, will require the assistance of the best legal judgment. Your Committee however, after having thus availed themselves of the power granted by the house, of reporting the partial result of their investigations, will continue to make such inquiries, and to collect such materials, as may pave the way for the accomplishment of that important undertaking.
It will at once be seen, that they have confined themselves to one branch of the work committed to them, having conceived it to be more judicious not to distract their own attention and that of the House by too many subjects of inquiry, but to pursue that which they first undertook to a practical result.
Should the House adopt their recommendation of renewing the Committee in another session, the subject of the Highways will naturally engage their attention as soon as they shall have fully matured the plan for amending the laws relating to the Turnpike Roads.
25th June, 1819.
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.
WITNESSES:
| Martis, 2º die Martii, 1819: | |
| Charles Johnson, Esq. | p. [81] |
| Mr. William Waterhouse | [84] |
| Mr. William Horne | [88] |
| Mr. John Eames | [92] |
| Veneris, 21º die Maij: | |
| Mr. George Botham | [94] |
| Jovis, 4º die Martij: | |
| John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esq. | [96] |
| Martis, 9º die Martij: | |
| John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esq. | [117] |
| Jovis, 11º die Martij: | |
| John Loudon MᶜAdam, Esq. | [134] |
| James McAdam, Esq. | [136] |
| Col. Charles Brown | [144] |
| Ezekiel Harman, Esq. | [145] |
| Thomas Bridgeman, Esq. | [146] |
| John Martin Cripps, Esq. | ibid. |
| W. Dowdeswell, Esq. | [148] |
| Martis, 23º die Martij: | |
| Mr. Benjamin Farey | [150] |
| John Farey, Esq. | [154] |
| Jovis, 25º die Martij: | |
| John Farey, Esq. | [157] |
| James Walker, Esq. | [165] |
| Jovis, 1º die Aprilis: | |
| Mr. James Dean | [182] |
| Jovis, 6º die Maij: | |
| Thomas Telford, Esq. | [187] |
| Martis, 11º die Maij: | |
| Mr. Robert Perry | [195] |
| Abstract of Return of Turnpike Roads round London | [196] |
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.