T.R.T.A. Members Object to New
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Tyre Discounts
MUMEROUS objections to the changes I in new tyre discount categories, recently introduced by the Tyre Manufacturers' Conference, were raised at a general meeting of the Trader's Road Transport Association in Birmingham last week. An official protest will be sent to the Conference requesting that the original categories should be rcstored, as the new schedules were unfair to the small operator.
It was pointed out by an operator who replaced his vehicles every three years, that no consideration was given by the Conference to the value of tyres fitted to the new vehicles. Commenting on the claim that the value of discounts offered in the various categories was decided by the tyre manufacturers individually, another member stated that he had been offered the same discount by all makers.
Dark areas on pedestrian crossings at night were the subject of discussion when a member's design for a light globe was considered. The design of the globe incorporated a cut-out section which would enable even illumination of the entire crossing. The meeting agreed that shadows on crossings were highly dangerous, because they could obscure the presence of pedestrians.
Referring to the lighting regulations for parked vehicles, the chairman, Mr. W. A. Standley, received support for his contention that the single parking light and hurricane lamp constituted a danger to other road users. Hurricane lamps represented a particular danger, as they could be easily damaged or stolen.
Giving particulars of proposed parking-meter schemes in Birmingham, the divisional secretary, Mr. L. Patrick, stated that 45 streets had been designated as suitable for meters. It had been suggested that 900 meters be installed.
Referring to the "Kerb Space is Precious" campaign, Mr. Patrick said that favourable reports by the police regarding the reductions in double banking of parked vehicles could be attributed directly to it. The prevention of all-day parking by motorists should he a priority aim of the police, he added.
Unqualified support from the Transport and General Workers' Union for medical inspections for drivers more than 50 years old was reported. Medical inspections, after a period of illness, were p26 also advocated by a number of members.
The recent recommendation by the Northern Licensing Authority, Mr. J. A. T. Hanlon, that a load of more than 10 per cent. above the maximum recommended by manufacturers should be regarded as an overload, was discussed. It was agreed that load classification in this way presented many difficulties.
Reviewing the work of the Maintenance Advisory Committee, Mr. J. A. Edmonds said that they considered the hand brakes of many vehicles to be inadequate as a secondary means for braking, and in some cases as a parking brake. Hand brakes should operate with an efficiency of 25 per cent., he said and an efficiency of 40 per cent, should be provided by the foot brake.
The method of rating brake efficiency was deceptive, in that 70 per cent, could be regarded as the optimum. The rate of deceleration corresponding to this efficiency might reasonably be changed to represent 100 per cent. efficiency.
ALBION CAB SUB-FRAMES --rwo types of cab sub-frame, one an
abbreviated version and the other in the form of a half-cab, have been introduced by Albion Motors, Ltd., Glasgow. They will give greater scope to bodybuilders, particularly makers of pantechnicons.
The chassis for which the ,sub-frames are avilable are the Chieftain C113, Clydesdale CD2I, Reiver RE25 and RE27, and the Victor VT19. They can also be fitted to the Victor VT17 when used as a goods vehicle.
Floor framing, floor plates and bonnet cover are included in the abbreviated version. The half-cab comprises floor framing, floor plates, bonnet cover, front structure, screen and nameplates.