Remarks on the Present System of Road Making With Observations, Deduced from Practice and Experience, With a View to a Revision of the Existing Laws, and the Introduction of Improvement in the Method of Making, Repairing, and Preserving Roads, and Defending the Road Funds from Misapplication. Seventh Edition, Carefully Revised, With an Appendix, and Report from the Select Committee of the House of Commons, June 1823, with Extracts from the Evidence

by John Loudon McAdam

"Remarks on the Present System of Road Making" by John Loudon McAdam is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. The work critiques the ineffective road management practices of the time, advocating for reforms in both the construction and maintenance of roads. McAdam emphasizes the need for scientifically informed methods and management systems to ensure better quality roads and efficient utilization of public funds. The opening portion of the publication highlights the author's concerns regarding the deficiencies in the existing road-making processes and the misapplication of funds—particularly pointing out the incompetence of some road surveyors and the consequences that arise from employing individuals without the necessary skills. McAdam draws on his practical experience and observations to argue for a centralized control over road management and urges the legislature to reconsider the existing laws to improve both the functionality and economic efficiency of the roads across Great Britain. The section effectively sets the stage for his proposed solutions that emphasize scientific principles and accountability in road maintenance, which are further explored in the subsequent chapters.