Waiting for Ra ii Strike Signal
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
WHEN The Commercial Motor closed for press on Wednesday, tentative plans were being made for road transport to take over from the railways in the event of a strike of railwaymen. It was, however, impossible to go far without knowing whether the 25-mile limit on free-enterprise road haulage would automatically be rescinded and whether unlimited duplication would be allowed on passenger services during the period of the strike.
An official of the Ministry of Transport in Birmingham said on Monday that there was no indication that the Minister would authorize emergency services. Applications for increased licences would have to go through the normal procedure, and it was unlikely that they could be heard in time for Christmas.
. An-immediate effect of the announcement last Sunday by the National Union of Railwaymen that a strike was to be called, was that London Coastal Coaches, Ltd., had five times as many inquiries as usual, even taking into consideration normal heavy Christmas bookings, The demand was particularly keen for long-distance services.
According to an official of the N.U.R., members of the union employed by provincial bus companies would not be affected by the strike.
Members at once asked the Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association whether they could arrange for emergency services to be run. One operator had been asked by a large London bank to carry employees to work each day from outside London.
The National Farmers' Union was considering asking the Ministry of Transport to ease licence restrictions. Priorities were established for milk, vegetables and other perishable goods.
A spokesman of the Road Haulage Association said on Wednesday that they were not preparing a plan in advance, but if the strike occurred, their members would be pleased to asisst in avoiding dislocation and would hope that the 25-mile limit would be waived.