For the purpose of assessing the tolls in this instance would it not be necessary that the waggon should be weighed at every turnpike gate?—There ought to be a power to do it, but there might be a check by means of toll tickets, similar to what is done upon navigable canals.
With a view of establishing good roads generally throughout the kingdom, and of keeping them in repair upon the most economical plan, what limitation would you propose as to the actual weight each carriage should be allowed to carry?—I should think it should never exceed four tons, which should be a ton upon each wheel; when it exceeds that weight the best materials which can be procured for road-making must be deranged and ground to pieces.
Martis, 11º die Maii, 1819.
Mr. Robert Perry, called in; and Examined.
You hold a situation in the Post-office?—Yes, under Mr. Johnson, inspector of the mails in the Post-office.
Since the examination of Mr. Johnson before this Committee, has the Post-office received any further report on the state of any of the roads near the Metropolis?—Yes; one that is between Staines and Bagshot, which I have brought with me.
[Delivered in, and read:]
“State of the Turnpike Road between Staines and Bagshot, May 4th, 1819.
From Staines Bridge to Egham the form of the road has been considerably altered for the better, with plenty of watercourses and arched drains: through Egham town the dirt has been entirely removed, and a very plentiful supply of well-sifted gravel laid on, which will in a short time make a good hard road. The hill likewise has recently been covered with a thick coat of good stones, which will require a little time to cement; from thence the road is greatly improved; the sides are pared down, and kept particularly clean.
At Virginia Water every thing appears to have been done to the hills, that the time and sandy nature of the soil would permit; it is now in a good form, and level.