L.A. Traffic Strangulation

I have always been and will continue to be a staunch supporter of Daryl Gates. However, I take exception to the chief’s comments on the city’s traffic problems.

It is irresponsible to indicate that Caltrans officials “never” access the traffic flow and that as a result, they have “screwed up” the situation. Our traffic problems are due to a population that is expanding faster than our highway system. It seems apparent that state and local governments are doing what they can to alleviate the problem within budgetary constraints.

I agree with the chief that until such time as sufficient parking facilities and roadways can be built to accommodate the increased usage, some creative thinking is needed. The chief listed a number of quick fix solutions: Among them were restricting truck deliveries during peak commuter hours and closing selected portions of the central business district to all vehicles except “high occupancy” vehicles.

What is the chief really saying? Should we bring commerce to a screeching halt by denying our merchants access to the goods and services necessary to sustain their business? Does the chief intend to watch “selected portions” of the business collapse?

I think we are all agreed that we need to reduce traffic congestion in the downtown area, particularly if it means saving lives (does the 28% increase in fatal traffic accidents, cited by Chief Gates, relate strictly to the central business district?) Applying a stranglehold on our business people is not the answer. I think Chief Gates should reconsider his alternatives.

PATRICK B. HUNTER

Long Beach