Railways Oppose an Owner-driver
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E chief rates clerk of British Rail ways, Bristol, was rebuked by Mr. S. W. Nelson, Western Licensing Authority, when he objected to an application by an owner-driver for the variation of a B licence, at Bristol last week. Mr. Nelson told the official, Mr. R. Smith: "You were aware that this applicant was asking to carry aircraft components. He is only a small operator and you represent a very large company. You should have brought the carryings of your company with you today so that I might see the position—and, again, you have the advantage of being represented." The applicant, Mr. John Maurice Hillier, of Dudley Grove, Bristol, sought to vary the licence to carry aircraft components from 15 miles to 50 miles. This was necessary, he said, because a recent merger of the Bristol Siddeley Engines required deliveries to be made to Cheltenham, Gloucester and Keevil.
His application was opposed by Mr. R. Mercer, for British Railways and British Road Services, who intimated that if the application were restricted to these three towns it would meet the objection of British Road Services, but not the railways.
The Licensing Authority said he would grant the application and protect the interests of private-enterprise hauliers. The variation was restricted to operation to Cheltenham, Gloucester and Keevil, and not within a general radius of 50 miles.