Nottingham Bus Fight: Decision Reserved
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AFTER a four-day hearing, the East Midland Traffic Commissioners last week reserved decision on an application by Nottingham Transport Department for the exclusive right to operate services over a new bridge recently built over the River Trent by the corporation (The Commercial Motor, last week).
The undertaking sought a number of services to Clifton housing estate, which has a population of 26,000. Objections were lodged by the South Notts Bus Co., Ltd. and West Bridgford Urban District Council.
South Notts at present share withthe corporation the existing route over Trent Bridge to Clifton, and sought the same quarter share on either the old or the new route. West Bridgford, who have a 19.9 per cent, share of present services, wanted to continue running along their existing route when 'the new bridge was opened. This route brings them into Nottingham Corporation's protected area.
On the final clay of the hearing, the corporation withdrew their objection to West Bridgford's • application, aft e r being given an undertaking that the urban district council would confine themselves to their present route. South Notts and Barton Transport, Ltd., who objected because they have services along part of the route, also withdreW their opposition.
Mr. A. G. Mansfield, clerk to West Bridgford, said they wanted an assurance from the corporation that they would not run more than 55 per cent. of their. traffic over the new bridge. Public demand would have to .justify ,a higher percentage.
Mr. Leonard Harrison, West Bridgford's general manager, claimed that the existing Nottingham-Clifton service was adequate.
If the applicatien of the corporation were granted, seven of his crews would' become redundant, and he would be left with excess buses, two of which had gone into service only that day.
In his final address fbr South Notts, Mr. R. Seely-Whitby said a corporation monopoly over the new bridge would result not in peace but in permanent war between the rival operators.
GUIDE TO BUS OPERATORS . A COMPREHENSIVE guide to the ,r1 bus industry is contained in the 1958 edition of the Passenger Transport Year Book and Diary. Information in previous editions has been rearranged and brought up to date, and there is a new section devoted to some of the leading foreign manufacturers. 4 As usual there are directories of home and overseas operators, vehicle and component manufacturers, and transport organizations Published by H. F. Maynard, Ltd., the book costs £1 10s.