The present very defective state of the Turnpike Roads and Highways in
the United Kingdom, and the continual and apparently unlimited increase
of the Toll Duties, are the considerations, which have given rise to the
publication of the following remarks.
Of the value of the information contained in them, the intelligent
reader will be the most competent judge; the author can only venture to
assure him, that the few facts brought forward in the course of the work
have been most carefully authenticated; that the opinions advanced are
the result of much thought, and patient investigation; that whatever may
appear theoretical, has, for the most part, been already reduced to
practice; and that where practice has been wanting, a long experience of
the evils arising from the present system, and not the mere love of
innovation, has been the motive for the suggestion of the remedies
proposed.
These, however, the author gladly submits to the good sense and candour
of the public; only requesting, in the words of a celebrated writer,
that whoever favors him with a perusal, will not judge by a few hours
reading of the labours of nearly thirty years.
In the following chapters, the subject of Roads will be considered under
three principal heads: