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32
the pres3nt age, however much the inhabitants of London half a
century ago may have failed to recognize the importance of free
communications, and were therefore indifferent to the establishment
of such obstructions.
That your petitioners are unanimously of opinion that it is
desirable that the Gates and Bars should be removed, and the
Streets and Thoroughfares made free.
That your Petitioners are of opinion that notwithstanding the
difficulties which have presented themselves heretofore, the present is
an opportune time for the re-consideration of the question, inasmuch
as recently large sums of money have been spent for freeing the
Bridges over the Thames, and for the opening up of new and
widening of old thoroughfares, to meet the continually increasing
requirements of the Metropolis. Moreover tne continuance of these
Grates and Bars is daily becoming more anomalous, as the public
are thereby deprived of the full advantage of the large expenditure
above referred to, as well as that expected from the abolition
of turnpikes, and the cost of maintaining turnpike roads being
thrown upon the parishes.
That your Petitioners have considered the subject in connection
with the general question of the dedication to the public of new
streets and thoroughfares in the Metropolis, and are of opinion that
the point is one which deserves the careful attention of your
Honorable House with a view that not only the present obstructions
may be removed, but that your Honorable House may give power
to Local Authorities to prevent the erection of similar obstructions
in new Streets.
That your Petitioners have also considered the most important
objection to the removals of Bars and Gates, namely, that the
quietude of the neighbourhoods so protected would be destroyed
if the gates were removed, and that the inhabitants would therefore
be entitled to compensation from the Owners of the Estates, and
through them from the public; and moreover, that many persons
would leave their houses, and the rateable value of the property
would be depreciated. Your Petitioners are, however, of opinion
that the principle of free thoroughfares should not be sacrificed
because it may be necessary in certain cases to make compensation
and as to the other point, your Petitioners believe that in some
cases the removal of Gates and Bars, would improve the rateable
value of the property by opening up new business thoroughfares.
That your Petitioners believe that the question is one which must
sooner or later be dealt with by Parliament; and as at the present
time the public are being heavily rated for important improvements
in the street communications of the Metropolis, it seems that
immediate attention should be given to the opening up of existing
thoroughfares of great value—which can be done without the