B.R.S. Seek Traffic to Continent
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IT is understood that British Road I Services are seeking business involving the direct delivery or collection of loads to and from the Continent by road and vehicle ferry.
At present this involves taking prime movers across the sea, but it is hoped that soon it may be Possible to base three tractors in Antwerp so that only semi-trailers need be ferried by the Continental Line between that port and Tilbury. Arrangements for these facilities would be made with Belgian National Railways.
Main obstacle in the path of clinching such a service is the desire of Continental carriers for reciprocity, also the formalities involved in meeting the requirements of the Hague Convention concerning international traffic.
B.R.S. and other hauliers, both in this country and on the Continent, who are eager to launch regular international services, have an eye to the potentialities of a European free market, but at the moment a demand has to be stimulated. GAS BOARD RUN VAN ON GAS KIDDERMINSTER branchof the West Midlands Gas Board is running a Thames medium-capacity van on coal gas contained in a bag carried on the roof. and saves five gallons of petrol a day. The bag holds about 200 cu. ft. of gas, the cost of which is Is. 9d., and gives 10 miles of running. It is refilled four or five times a day.
On the carburetter is a mixture control, and if the driver runs out of gas he can switch to petrol by altering a tap. Cost of the conversion, less the value of the bag, was £10. The performance on gas is said to be "fairly good" and no harmful effects on the engine have been noticed.
CONFERENCE LATER IN YEAR
BECAUSE of travel difficulties caused by fuel rationing, the Institute of Traffic Administration will not hold its annual conference in May, as usual, this year, but from October 4-6 at the Walton Park Hotel, Clevedon, Somerset.
In addition to prizes for the best papers written and presented by student or graduate members, the winner of the first prize will be able to spend a week in France as guest of Les Routiers.