Shelters and Car Parks

To the Editor of The Times

Sir,—We read that the demolition of air raid shelters has now been stopped throughout the country, in view of the possible renewed demand for these. I venture to suggest that—in London at any rate—large underground shelters be excavated under such open spaces—squares, gardens, and parks—where such work does not conflict with buildings. If, as we all hope, they are not needed for the present defence, bombed sites are built over, the parking of cars will soon become an almost insoluble problem.

The proposed new shelters would—in times of peace—serve as covered parking places, where cars could be left for the day in safety, on payment of a small fee. In this way the interest charges on the capital expended could be met, and the savings of uniformed attendants employed by the few existing such shelters would ever arise, as they would form a permanent addition to the parking facilities of London. Being in constant use they would always be aired and in good order, and be available as bomb shelters at a moment’s notice.

I am, &c., Drummond C. Spencer Smith, Suttons, Stapleford Tawney, near Romford, Oct. 7.