A Miscellany on Current Affairs Progress of the S.J.C. Scheme--Who
Page 31
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Are the Promoters? Will M. of W.T. Haulage Develop? Aspects of Road Safety. Comments on a Drivers' Association
By "Tantalus"
THIS week my article is rather miscellaneous in character as it deals with certain items of interest which have appeared recently in, the technical Press. I see that the S.J.C. has surrendered to the strong criticism that has been levelled against it in respect of the trading proposals originally included in its haulage scheme, by agreeing to delete the contentious clause. Does this mean, however, that all ideas of trading—either now or at any future date—have been completely and finally abandoned, or is the decision merely of a temporary nature, calculated to allay apprehension for the time being and so dispel the opposition which at present exists? The need for some more definite assurance is indicated and should be forthcoming without unnecessary delay. In the meantime, operators would do well to follow further developments with the closest attention. . One is inclined to conjecture as to whether the proposed deletion satisfied the C.M.U.A.-to the extent of removing its objection to the scheme and whether active participation will consequently ensue. It may be, of c.ourse, that the C.M.U.A. will issue an official statement in the matter.
Who Promoted the S.J.C. Scheme?
In a previous article dealing with the S.J.C. scheme, a question was asked regarding the names of the promoters and the quarter from which the said scheme emanated. So far there has beeil no elucidation on these points. I suggest, therefore, that operators--and particularly association members—should press for this information before coming to a final decision as to the acceptance or rejection of the proposals.
Turning, then, from the above, there is another item of interest regarding which information OS strangely lacking. What, I would ask, has happened to the Ministry of War Transport's haulage scheme? Has it already commenced to function in some unobtrusive manner, or has it died a natural—or, maybe, unnatural —death? Whatever has or has not transpired, surely it is high time for some statement to be made by the Ministry as to the course of events. It is, perhaps, that the scheme still provides a subject for discussion by the various committees which have so far failed to agree. Perhaps, on the other hand, the Minister cbnsiders the time inopportune for immediate action. When, oh! when, will there come into being a Ministry, responsible for transport, which is endowed with initiative, determination and a capacity for decisive action?
The New Drive for Road Safety
A few days ago there appeared in the daily Press details of the road-accident deaths since the beginning of the war, the figure being given as 18,000. Of this number, 2,800 people who lost their lives were cyclists and pedestrians. According to the report, the,Ministry of War Transport announced the launching of a great new propaganda " Safety First" drive. It is not necessary to recall to the minds of the readers of this journal the innumerable campaigns—varying in character—. which have been sponsored at considerable cost in the past in an effort to deal with this problem. Speaking comparatively, the results have been woefully dis appointing. It can be concluded, therefore, that the various forms of propaganda already tried out have failed lamentably. Does it not seem, then, that until all road users share equal statutory obligations there can be no appreciable improvement in this tragic state of affairs? I refer specially to the cyclists and those pedestrians who completely disregard traffic lights and make a habit of " jay-walking " in the busiest thoroughfares. These persons must contribute largay to the total of road casualties. I suggest that the. methods employed by the police of other countries be adopted here, viz., that all such transgressors be charged and fined on the spot, Asto cyclists, the introduction of registration doubtless would go far to improve the situation.
Reverting to correspondence which has been published in these columns regarding a drivers' association, I was much impressed by a letter ffom Mr. E. E. Carter which was published on October 3. The cases he quoted, as from his own experience, are significant, and form excellent examples of the point which I have emphasized in respect of the value of the type of work which could be undertaken by-a'n -association as compared with trade unions. Such an organization could—indeed, would— provide an intimate contact -which the unions cannot hope to furnish because of the large numbers involved. It would be of interest to learn if these examples quoted by the correspondent can be regarded as general or whether they are of an exceptional nature. Only drivers themselves can provide this information. Some guidance in the matter may be derived froni the measure of support afforded to the proposed association by drivers who are interested. I do hope that they will not hesitate to communicate with the Editor of "The Commercial Motor" expressing their .views, be they favourable or otherwise. It is quite impossible for any progress to be tnade towards the furtherance of the scheme until the opinions of the drivers themselves are made known.
Why Not License Drivers' Cafes?
There is a further letter from Mr. A. J. Paine respecting the food supplies at roadside -cafés. This problem has engaged the attention of trade unions as well as of the national associations. The reporfs received so far indicate very little real improvement in the situation. Mr. Paine is very fair in that he appreciated the difficulties of the caterers and the Ministry of Food officials in estimating requirements owing to the fluctuating numbers. As a constructive plan, to ameliorate the difficulties, I.would suggest that approved cafes be licensed, as apart from the ordinary registration under the Ministry of Food control. In such event, caterers could more easily assess the quantities of .,food required ahd the work of the Ministry officials would be faeililated. Moreover, under this system, driver i of all commercial vehicles (and I would include private chauffeurs) using roadside cafés could be issued with some form Of token which would establishtheir prerogative as users of these licensed cafés.
It seems to me that an accredited drivers' association would be rendered peculiarly fitted to undertake the preparation of a case on the suggested lines for submission to the Minister of Food.