. Enforced Fare Rise Deleted on Appeal
Page 36
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THE Minister of Transport has ordered the South Eastern Traffic Commissioners to cancel increases in fares which, last September, they forced on Brimbletornbe Bros., Ltd., Wokingham, who run excursions and tours.
Asreported in The Commercial Motor on September 21, 1956, Smith's Luxury Coaches (Reading), Ltd., had been granted a 14-per-cent. increase in fares on their express services, and the commissioners compelled Brimblecombe to raise their charges accordingly for protective purposes.
Brimblecombe, supported by Wokingharn Borough Council, appealed (The Commercial Motor, December 21, 1956).
In his decision issued on Tuesday, the Minister states that he agrees with Sir Maurice Holmes, who heard the appeal, that the increases imposed by the Commissioners were not justified on the grounds of preventing wasteful competition or securing the maintenance of adequate, suitable and efficient services. These were, of. course, matters which the Commissioners could properly take into account in securing that fares should not be unreasonable.
But he disagrees with Sir Maurice's recommendation that a modified increase designed to maintain the existing difference between the fares on Brimblecombe and Smith's services should be permitted. The Minister finds no evidence that any advance is justified either by Brimblecombes costs or by a need to protect Smith's services. The increases should he disallowed entire] y.
B.R.S. PENSIONS
A SUPERANNUATION scheme for PA. clerical and supervisory employees of British Road Services covered by the agreement with the Transport and General Workers Union has been prepared.
A claim tor a substantial increase in pay for salaried staff has also been submitted.