Three Operators Propose to Link
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APROPOSAL to link the catchment area of excursions and tours licences relating to three separate companies, Yelloway Motor Services., Ltd., and their associates, Creams (Lancashire), Ltd., and Johnston Brothers (Middleton), Ltd., was put before the . North Western Traffic Commissioners, at Manchester, on Tuesday.
Mr. F. D. Walker, for the applicants, said that there were 27 picking-up points in ah area of 35 sq. miles surrounding Oldham, with focal points at Fountain Street, Middleton and Mumps, Oldham. British Railways, the objectors, had been met by excluding period excursions and counting each vehicle operating against all licences involved, except where points were common.
The Minister, in the Altrincham Coachways appeal.had indicated that a saving in the use of vehicles was justification for linking, if there were no overriding considerations, he continued. The express operators did not object in principle when no advantage was sought by aggregation of vehicles.
A grant would give more economic operation without improving their position in relation to competitors. Two of the five licences concerned, that of Creams' former ItlerriWay licenee and Johnston's, were involved in extensive irregular linking before their takeover. The proposals would legally meet the public need thus created.
Mr. F. Williamson, chairman, said that the linking of separate companies was the first application of its kind, and the repercussions among other operators would have to be considered. Some degree of ferrying, confined to each company rather than jointly, might be the best solution: If linking were granted for 12 months, said Mr. Hubert Allen, general manager, of Yelloway, they would. then bp _prepared to apply for Yelloway or Creams to take over the Johnston licence;, and either Yelloway or Creams to take over the other's Oldham licenceThis would then put the whole operation under' one control.
Mr. J. Bobth, for British Railways, said that their objection was only withdrawn on the understanding that a formula could be found to prevent additional competition. Vehicles saved as a result of linking or ferrying must not be used for additional excursions. The count must be taken in the catchment area and at the departure point. Although in this case the objection was not pursued it must not be thought that they agreed to the principle of catchment area linking.
Reserving decision, Mr. Williamson said that the whole question would have to be explored by the Commissioners.