Answers to Queries.
Page 24
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Ozer readers will be informed by the Editor an any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct refit), is desired, a stamPed and addressed envelolie should be enclosed if a request for _Privacy is not specially made, any query and answer may be published, " CRITIC " [1291] : —We do not think you are justified in your unqualified condemnation of those who have charge of motorbuses in London, because you cannot possibly realise the difficulties under which both the business and engineering management has been conducted during the last twelve months. Your remarks are in agreement with our own views only so far as they refer to the unnecessary introductien of Stock Exchange control and paper capital.
" E.W.W.” [12921 writes :—" Is there not an association to which I, as a user of motor tractors, ought to belong? If so, I should be very much obliged if you would let me know Lo whom to apply for particulars.
" I am summoned in that I ' did cause a motorcar drawing a vehicle exceeding 2cwt. in weight unladen to be driven on the highway, without carrying upon such vehicle a person competent to apply efficiently the brakes thereon contrary to the Local Government Board Regulation 5904: In this case, I had an assistant in attendance as well as the driver, but he (the assistant) was riding on the tractor, and not on the wagon.. The police contention is, apparently, that the assistant should ride on the top of the load in the wagon, but it seems to me that he is in an equally good position to apply the brakes when on the engine, as it would he easier to jump off the engine than to scramble down from the top of the load on the wagon. It has been my custom to have the assistant on the engine ever since I had a tractor, and I cannot help thinking that this is a case that ought to be defended. Unfortunately, however, as the case comes on next Saturday, I am afraid the time is too short to be able to get any assistance from any association.''
ANSWER.—Our correspondent should certainly belong to the Commercial Motor Users' Association. He has a full and clear defence to the action brought against him, if his driver can reach the trailer brake from the footplate of the tractor. Cases have already been decided on this point in London; and the police universally admit that the ability of the driver to reach the brake as mentioned clearly complies with the requirements of Section 3 of Article 3 of the Motorcar Use and Construction Order (which Order they are seeking to apply to his tractor under Article r6 of the Heavy Motorcar Order, 1904). This section provides exemption from the carrying of a person on the trailer "if the brake of the vehicle drawn can be applied from the motorcar by a person upon the motorcar independently of the brakes of the latter." If his man cannot reach his trailer brakes from the tractor, he must either ride on the trailer, or must have a separate lever coupled up to the trailer brakes.