Dealer's Worried Over Rail Deliveries
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OPERATING figures were presented when Messrs. Overland Car Deliveries continued their application to Mr. W. F. Quin, Scottish Licensing Authority, at Edinburgh on 'Monday. They sought a new B licence for an articulated unit of 4 tons and a trailer of 2+ tons, to operate in south-west Scotland within a radius of 100 miles of Prestwick.
During the hearing a letter from the Scottish Ford Dealers Association which indicated concern over the alleged slowness of deliveries by rail, was presented. But Mr. A. Beattie, a Licensing Officer of British Railways, gave evidence of rail facilities for car delivery to Scotland.
He said that the railways were carrying increasing numbers of cars from the main manufacturing centres. They had been in contact, and come to terms with, the Ayr concern, who appeared at the earlier hearing. A special Bonnybridge-Luton overnight bulk-delivery service, taking 50 cars per train, had been arranged.
This was an indication of the support given by the motor industry and con
firmation of the fast and effective service which would be provided. A great deal of research was going into special-type• delivery wagons and this too would increase the railways' capacity.
Summing up, Mr. A. B. Wilkinson, for the railways, questioned the proposed base at Prestwick. He pointed out that OVerland was a Carlisle concern and that its real base was outside Scottish jurisdiction. There had been no evidence of need, he added.
For Overland, Mr. Warlaw contended that British Road Services had applied in the north of England for similar facilities, which seemed to suggest acceptance of the need for road transport. He pointed out that there were smaller centres where road transport was the required and desired service.
He indicated that his clients would be prepared to restrict the normal user to south-west Scotland and the Border country. The railways would lose nothing as the cars were at present being driven north by teams of drivers.
Mr. Quin reserved decision.