Letters / Reduce oil-based road traffic
Neil Craig (Ferries: Less effective and more expensive, SN, 20 July 2012) asks if there are any geological differences between Shetland, the Faroe Islands and Norway.
I don’t know about the latter, but the former is significantly different from Shetland, being composed largely of layers of volcanic basalt and tuff. I understand that boring through tuff is relatively easy, and that this was practiced where possible.
I also wonder about the revenue costs of tunnels. Roads and the tunnels themselves have to be maintained, lighting and ventilation (surely?) provided. The additional infrastructure also has to be provided, e.g., approach roads.
I really wonder if the volume of traffic predicted would justify the costs, both apparent and hidden.
I believe, moreover, we should be doing more to reduce road traffic, at least in its current oil-based form.
Promote Shetland states on its website that a “local inventor has patented a device which could see the return of sail power to fishing and other vessels.” It may seem like a pipe dream, but who knows..?
Finally Dr. Jonathan Wills has tirelessly urged the introduction of a chain ferry between Lerwick and Bressay, such as the one that used to run (and for all I know still does) between Portsmouth Harbour and Gosport.
James Mackenzie
The Lea
Tresta
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