_Higher Fares Cause Big Traffic Loss
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CARE increases are thought to have I been responsible for the heavy loss in traffic which Leicester Transport Department sustained last year. The number of passengers carried fell by about 2Im.—the largest figure in any post-war year.
"If it had not been for the short period of fuel rationing, which brought about another million passengers on to our vehicles," said the transport committee's annual report, "the picture would have been still more serious. It is significant that the additional million passengers were carried with a consider ably reduced service, and if, as it seems, fare increases are the main cause of such heavy loss in traffic, it appears that further advances in operating costs must be met by a reduction in the less attractive mileage."
Experience gained during the fuel emergency showed that, if necessary, traffic could be adequately handled by fewer vehicles than are at present operated. The fall of traffic on Sundays is causing grave concern.
Last year working expenses rose from about 2s. 40. a mile to 2s. 7d., mainly because of higher labour charges. Platform staff wages advanced by Id. a mile. Fuel cost nearly fd. more per mile.
Mr. R. Edgley Cox, general manager of Walsall Transport Department, speaks in his annual report of the marked resistance by passengers to further increases in fares. Last year the number of passengers carried dropped by 820,655.
NO OFFER TO DRIVERS OF HEAVIES
MO offer to the trade unions for the operation of heavy goods vehicles at 30 m.p.h. was agreed at last week's meeting of the employers' panel of the Road Plaulage Wages Council. No date for a further meeting of the full council has been fixed.
A report of last week's discussions
was made on Wednesday to the national executive committee of the Road Haulage Association. The dominittee also considered proposals by the Minister of Transport concerning the types of vehicle to be allowed to use motorways, and the question of speed limits.
It was urged that there should be closer consultation between area secretaries when British Road Services made applications for extra tonnage that might jeopardise the interests of freeenterprise hauliers. A report was received on liaison with B.R.S.
The committee also reviewed resolutions proposed to be submitted to the Association's annual conference at Rothesay in October.
M.o.S. TO THE RESCUE
VEHICLES for the afternoon's proceedings of the Lorry Driver of the Year final competition at Bramcote on September 8 are to be provided by the Ministry of Supply Wheeled Vehicles Research Establishment, Chobham.