Even in 1926 tolls caused a bottleneck problem for council to solve
Before 1924, getting to or from the Northern Beaches by road was a long and uncomfortable journey. The main route was via today’s Mona Vale Road.
Both Manly and Warringah councils lobbied for bridges, at both The Spit and Roseville. With the State Government procrastinating, Manly Council went it alone and borrowed £60,000 to build a low-level opening bridge at The Spit. It was completed in late 1924.
To repay the loan, council imposed a toll. In 1925 the tolls were: bicycles, free; 2 pence for motorbikes; 3 pennies for motorbikes with a sidecar; 6 pence for cars; and 1 or 2 shillings for trucks, depending on size. Pedestrians were also free.
The bridge was a great success and Manly Council was able to pay off the loan in a little over six years. However, motorists were not used to paying a toll and this caused a bottleneck, particularly in peak summer times.
In response, the town clerk, Les Willings, issued the notice pictured here. He was the equivalent of the CEO in our current council, but his language was a little more colourful than that used in a typical council press release today!
Richard Michell is the vice-president of the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society and the secretary of Friends of Dee Why Lagoon. Visit mwphs.org.au and fodyl.au