Agenda for Cleaning Up Our Dirty Air

Even the most fanatical of the anti-smog zealots at the SCAQMD would probably agree that a 10% reduction of travel time in the metropolitan area would result in cleaner air. Such a reduction would be akin to the daily removal of 300,000 to 400,000 vehicles from city streets on any given day. Instead, however, these pro-oxygen militants put forth overwhelming proposals for the imposition of draconian measures which could force us to become a bicycle society.

Recent restrictions on rush-hour left turns implemented on Crescent Heights Boulevard have significantly improved traffic flow on this heavily traveled thoroughfare, with travel time between Culver City and Hollywood cut practically in half. At the same time, the bureaucrats’ response to heavy congestion on La Cienega at the Beverly Center is the installation of mid-block traffic signals. If, however, the Traffic Department banned left turns into and out of the Beverly Center and the new mall across the street, traffic flow would improve at the expense of a few shoppers who would have to go around the block.

Before we are all relegated to methanol-powered skate boards by the SCAQMD, I would suggest that the traffic flow problem be addressed. It doesn’t require Manhattan Project mentality to deal with left turns, parking restrictions and synchronized signals.

JACK BAILEY

Los Angeles