Linking Terms Successfully Opposed
Page 49
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rONDMONS proposed by the North
Western Traffic Commissioners to prohibit the linking of destinations and catchtnent areas were successfully opposed by a pool of excursion and tour operators at Blackpool last week.
The following operators sought to link with each other: Scout Motor Services, Ltd.; J. Abbott and Sons (Blackpool), Ltd.; R. 131ackhurst (Blackpool), Ltd.; E. T. Butterworth, Ltd.; J. F. Elsworth, Ltd.; Enterprise Motors (Blackpool), Ltd.; Jackson's Holiday Tours, Ltd.; W. Marshall and Son (Blackpool), Ltd.; G. Newton ' (Blackpool), Ltd.; Porritt and Wolsterholme, Ltd.; S. J. Wood, Ltd.; Birch's Motor Services, Ltd.; Timperley's Coach (Subsidiaries), Ltd.; and W. C. Standerwick, Ltd.
Tours of Blackpool illuminations and the following destinations were specified: Windermere, Keswick, Chester, Llandudno, Llangollen, York. Scarborough, Liverpool, New Brighton, Morecambe, Ingleton, Grange, Silverdale and. Arnside.
Mr. F. Briggs, Blackpool manager of Standerwick, said that They had 17 licences and were allowed to operate 80 vehicles on any one occasion. Two licences were based at Lytham St. Armes and Standerwick wished to link these.
British Railways appeared as objectors, but it was stated that operation on the Fylde coast was exceptional and that they were satisfied with the present situation.
At previous inquiries the companies had stated that linking was essential if they were to operate economically to certain destinations. Mr. F. D. Walker, for Scout and Standerwick, said that, in future, if passengers were carried on one Standerwick vehicle for two destinations, it would count as two vehicles out of the present allowance of 80.
Mr. F. Williamson. chairman, said that as the applications were unopposed, he saw no reason why they could not be accepted in principle. He was glad that the parties had reached a satisfactory agreement in a contentious situation, and the Commissioners would allow them to operate as they wished for a period of about two years.
The situation could then be examined again, and it would be seen if successful operation had resulted. Mr. Williamson expressed some doubt about the linking of catchment areas in the centre of Blackpool, but was willing to ,try it.