The Spirit of Independence
Page 6
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BUS operators were warned about the dangers of cut-throat competition at the ammal luncheon in Nottingham, last week, of the East Midlands Area. Passenger ',Vehicle Operators' Association.
The Lord Mayor, Coun. J. E. Mitchell, said: "You will, to a very large extent, determine your own future. The only way you will do it will be by close association. Don't auempt to cut each other's throats, but be prepared to give whale kindness
Mr. F. 3 Speight (of the Association's National Executive Committee) declared: "We represent the spirit of independence. Ninety-nine per cent. of you are still independent, but you are subject to the provisions of the Transport Act and as a result you may sometime find yourselves roped into an area scheme.
"Whether it will be introduced into the Nottingham district in the near future we don't know, but if it is introduced we 'shall do everything we can to look after your interests. We may have to go into open opposition to such a scheme. Already there is one in the North Eastern area, but we don't know much about it and what we do know is perhaps better not talked about just DOW
"Right to the last ditch we shall help you to try to retain your independence," he added.
Mr. J. W. Fletcher, Regional Transport Commissioner, said that the vastness of the industry was illustrated by the fact that throughout the country the number of operators was 4,160, operating 55,731 vehicles, excluding those owned by the London Transport Executive. in the East Midland Traffic Area there were 346 operators With 4,803 vehicles.
LAND TRACTORS ON ROADS THE Minister of Transport is circu
lating draft Regulations which propose to suspend until December 31 the operation of that part of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. 1947. as amended in 1948, which requires that each wheel of a land tractor shall be equipped with either pneumatic tyres or those of soft or elastic material, but which provided that until June this year, on such tractors first registered on or before June I. 1947, the tyre of every steered wheel not conforming to the above should be smooth-soled and where it touches the road be not less than 2/ ins. wide.
The relaxation for a further period would not, however, be continued after December 31: TWO EXPERIENCED SALESMEN REQUIRED
ALEADING British maker of heavy-duty vehicles and hoses requires an experienced salesman, with sound practical engineering training, to take complete charge of sales and ser= vice in an area. Another man with similar qualifications is required for Lancashire. Details of experience and qualifications, giving age and salary required, should he in the applicant's handwriting and addressed to " Salesmen" care of the Editor.
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to your competitors."
Commenting on the shortage of vehicles, Mr. Fletcher said: " Now they are coming along at a price and a pace which may possibly be embarrassing.
"There are always.poachers about," he went on. "There are those who by some means have acquired a vehicle and who knock at our office door and say I want some petrol'
"if applications of that kind were granted," said Mr. Fletcher, " it would be to the detriment of those to whom the buses ought to have gone, and who were running the essential services."