We need a ‘Eurotunnel’

Rather than a tunnel through Remutaka

Hill, which already exists (built in 1955), what we really need is a rapid, non-stop, roll-on-roll-off train service for road vehicles between Wellington and Masterton, in the same style as the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle or the Swiss car trains (for cars) and the ‘‘Rolling Highway’’ (for trucks) through the alps.

Result: Less road congestion, a faster journey, fewer accidents, less loss of life, fewer emissions. What’s not to like?

This would be a genuine example of thinking ahead and it certainly makes more sense than duplicating the existing tunnel which, as Douglas Maclachlan admits (letters, Nov 21), would never stack up financially.

Demetrius Christoforou, Mt Victoria