By Isle of Wight Observer
A letter to the Isle of Wight Observer published on 14th May 1853 could, for the most part, have been written by a reader this week – aside from the “Isle of Wight system of managing highways” being highlighted as an example of “efficient and economical management”.
There’s not much more we can say!
TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
As the Isle of Wight system of managing highways has been extolled by Her Majesty’s Commissioners as an example of “efficient and economical management,” and in consequence of such efficiency and economy has been pointed out as a “model” to be adopted in other places, I wish to adduce an instance in which “efficiency and economy” have more of the appearance of a gross job. In the fall of last year, after long consideration, the commissioners began to build a bridge over the stream which crosses the road at Moreton Common, as in wet seasons the road was impassible. The road was therefore closed, and traffic diverted round by Yaverland. The bridge was built, and they commenced to raise the road for a length of about 150 yards, and such is their perfection of “management,” that it remains to this day unfinished, and likely to remain for months to come. It is true, that vehicles sometimes attempt to pass, but the wheels sink in ruts up to their axels; and this state of things, not only inconvenient, but highly dangerous, is allowed to continue for nearly six months in a line of road where the greatest traffic exists in the island, and where materials are close at hand for immediately rectifying it. There is not the slightest doubt, if any private firm had to execute such a trifling job, it would have been done in six weeks. What is the cause of the delay now? The Commissioners draw enormous revenues (£15,000 or £16,000 a-year); have a large and expensive staff of officers – from Lawyers down to so-called Surveyors – have general meetings and special meetings without number; and what is the result? They “manage” very “economically” not to do in six months, an amount of work which an individual would do in six weeks. it is hight time another Jacques would arise, and for the island that which he did for Ryde, and clear out this Augean stable of self-elected Commissioners, and apply the General Highway Act entirely, so that the ratepayers may elect the executive, and have check and control over the “management” of the enormous revenues exacted from the public, and not perpetuate such a monstrous system as we see at Morton Common.
A SUFFERER.
Sandown, May 10, 1853