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Closer Check on Fuel Usage Needed

2nd April 1943, Page 14
2nd April 1943
Page 14
Page 14, 2nd April 1943 — Closer Check on Fuel Usage Needed
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

COMMERCIAL transport by road is being most strictly controlled and curtailed in the ostensible cause of thesaving of rubber and fuel. There are many operators, however, who have, rightly or wrongly, a feeling that they are being picked upon for this rigid economy, whereas, in many cases, the use of private cars is not so closely investigated, either in the first instance, when the supplies of fuel are issued, or—and probably to a gre4ter degree—as to how this fuel is employed. We do not wish to encourage a spirit of antagonism between private and commercial users, but we are all for balanced treatment and justice.

A few cases of misuse of petrol by car owners are brought into Court and, perhaps, these will eventually have some effect, but our personal _observation does not lead us to believe that all the cars now running are doing so for the whole of their time strictly on essential work or because these are no other means for transport.

A well-known member of the industry was. saying to us only few days ago how strange it is that in his part of the country so many people appear ta have essential work to do by car on Sundays, and this complete with wife and family ! So far as he could ascertain they were never questioned as to their right on the road. Another man who has to use his car for touring all over Britain for a legitimate purpose, remarked that on no occasion had investigations ever been made as to this use, except, of course, when he applied for the necessary fuel. Instances have been brought to our notice of families paying weekly visits by car to their country residences.

The average Briton is not Gestapo-minded, and feels that it might be dishonourable to peach upon his neighbour. Therefore it appears to be purely a matter to be dealt with direct by the police or specially authorized officials. If more were done to check up usage, and the public knew that this was being carried out, the legitimate motorist would not receive so many black looks, which are inclined to make even the innocent feel that they are acting.in some guilty manner.

No doubt thousands of cars are being used solely for official tasks or essential business purposes, and they and their drivers, just as much as the public, should feel more satisfied if the black sheep be picked out of the frock. There are, unfortunately, some people who aiipear to have no sense of their duty to the Nation and no feeling of compunction at wasting a valuable war material which is brought to these Cores with extreme difficulty and, not seldom, at the cost of the lives of our seamen and the loss of ships. Their attitude is too frequently that everything is all right so long as they are not caught. It was well summed up in the comment of one of the few who was 'recently fined.

When asked why he employed his car for 'onte private purpose he answered: "What do you think I keep it for? "

Tags

Organisations: Gestapo

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