Ministry Proposals Backbreaking?
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BECA1JSE the weight increases cited in the Ministry of Transport's proposals would be tied to dimension requirements, the greater return on the loads carried could be offset by the higher overall running cost of the vehicle. Tipping vehicles would be particularly penalized, and in the case of maximum-load eight-wheeled tippers the restriction on manoeuvrability imposed by the minimum wheel-centre dimension would be an unacceptable penalty even if the vehicle could be operated and tipped without breaking its back.
These warnings were given by Mr. E. A. Betteley, chairman of the West Midland Division of the Traders Road Transport Association at the Coventry area dinner on Friday, and later Mr. Betteley said that the need to stipulate dimension conditions could not be justified by existing bridge limitations. Special loads up to 40 tons gross had been crossing the bridges of the country for many years and in some instances the axle-spacing was less than the minimum proposed for 28-ton-gross vehicle. There had been no claim for bridge damage in 10 years.
" contend," said Mr. Betteley, 'that the inclusion of minimum dimensions in the proposed regulations is unnecessary and far too complicated and that they would in certain cases be impracticable." Do the proposals, asked Mr. Betteley. represent a means of favouring rail by restricting road vehicle operations?
When proposing the toast to the Association, Mr. G. W. Mouslcy, area chairman of the Road Haulage Association, said that two dangers lay ahead for C-licencezs, one of which was indicated by the statement by Mr. Ray Gunter (the moderate Socialist front bencher) that it was futile nonsense to think that anyone had the right to unrestricted C licences, and the other by Dr. Beeching's prescription for making the railways .pay. Dr. Beeching and the Government, said Mr. Mousley, must accept that the railways failed miserably during the recent cold weather. Thousands of tons of coal and general goods had to be moved by road Oecause the railways were frozen up.
Guest speaker at the dinner, Mr.• F. W. C. Pendleton, Chief Constable of Coventry, said that the police had agitated for an increase in the speed limit to 40 m.p.h. for some time. It was a. more realistic speed than 30 m.p.h. but it was " fast enough and he hoped that it would be observed.
International Group NAR. J. A. MURLY has been re-elected I VI chairman of the International Road Transport Group of the Road Haulage Association. The Group elected as vicechairmen Mr. J. W. Ellis and Mr. C. Oliver.
In his report on the year's work of the Group, Mr. MUTly said there were not enough Continental frontier posts allowing vehicles through at all hours of day and night.