eader Harry Jackson has just returned from holiday in Malta
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where he discovered that "the sunny Mediterranean island is the last resting — and working — place for thousands of aged trucks and buses made in the UK."
Harry, a former editor of Trucking International, sent in these pictures of two splendid British workhorses which are still in service years after they would have been in the knacker's yard had they stayed home in Blighty. "They are in remarkably good order," says Harry, "the condition of the Bedfords is a real tribute to the manufacturer."
A fruit wagon is in active service touring the resorts, while the condition of one Leyland bus would put some UK operators to shame. Harry attributes the Maltese fondness for British vehicles to its 150 years as a crown colony.
It seems there are nearly 22,000 commercial vehicles and 630 buses crammed on the island, but only 863 private cars. Where do they go on only 1,480ksni920 miles of road?
A brew too far
ive suspended West Country traffic wardens face a disciplinary hearing after allegations of excessive tea breaks while on duty. The suspensions leave only one regular traffic warden in Paignton, Devon — although reinforcements have been drafted in from Torbay. The now-famous five will face David Phillips, Deputy Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall, where it is rumoured they will be given 100 yellow lines to write.
There'll be three along in a minute
fil he sale of condoms has become a lot more open since the days of the barber's discreet "Something for the weekend, sir?"
Nuneaton has gained the distinction of having the UK's first publicly sited condom machine in its main bus station. Standing 6ft high and 2ft wide it is hard to miss — especially as it features prominent Durex logos on either side. There is still some fear that passengers may be reluctant to endure the curious stares of others when purchasing — perhaps the machine should adopt an option that shy purchasers frequently resort to in chemists and dispense toothbrushes as well,