Representation at traffic courts We are particularly concerned at the
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lack of representation of the tipper section of the Road Haulage Industry at future traffic courts when operators' licences will be due for renewal.
The Minister, either because he has been ill-advised, or ignorant of the facts, omitted to nominate two operating groups:(A) Furniture Removers (B) SAB HATA* (who specialize in tippers and containers), and it is the latter's field that particularly concerns us as it is this section of the industry which so easily admits the hordes of pirates and cowboys. These illegal operators are enjoying more freedom today than the legitimate licensed operators because they are a ruthless, and almost uncontrollable body. No action is taken against them to permit their operations by the legitimate operators because they are often threatened with malicious damage. Because the tipper operators have been ignored representation, many are either going out of business, or out-contracting by selling their vehicles to drivers and increasing the oneman haulier which, in principle, was against the motive of the Act.
The SABHATA has been a strong, healthy well-constituted Association representing some 200 or more hauliers with probably some 2,000 vehicles, the largest of its kind which anyone with tippers or containers are welcomed to join.
Because of the Association's good work in assisting the Licensing Authority to keep only registered operators on the road, it is inherent that the Minister should acknowledge this work by giving it a place as a registered representative objector with the operators' licensed scheme.
The object, therefore, in my writing to you is that you publish this letter to enlighten the Minister with some first-hand information of the tipper and container operators' predicament and insecurity in future working of the trade.
L. J. HEFFER, Transport Manager, Secombe Bros. Ltd., Isle worth, Middx. *Sand and Ballast Hauliers and Allied Trades Association.