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PASSENGER TRANSPORT
M.H.C.S.A. CONDEMNS THE LONDON TRANSPORT BILL
TAAST week, we published from advance information brief details of amendments to the London Passenger Transport Bill, suggested by Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association, Ltd. We have now received a copy of the observations of the association, -which are being circulated to Members of Parliament.
In this memorandum, the M.H.C.S.A. deals first with the history of the Bill and points out that its keynote is monopoly, and suggests that the several undertakings which have agreed to the measure have not kept the interests of the travelling public in mind. It is further submitted that the public necessity of such a monopoly was never proved before the joint committee which considered the Bill, and that the "real problem of the relief of congestion in the centre of the Metropolis was lost sight of in the scramble to secure a share in the profits of s. monopoly."
The opinion is expressed that, despite the proposed Government amendments, the Bill is not worth preserving. It is submitted that the Bill is "unnecessary and a retrograde measure, in view of the operation of the Road Traffic Act" and the memorandum explains why the Bill would not secure unified control of coach transport in the area.
It continues : " In our submission, the London Passenger Transport Bill, if it becoines law in its present form, will defeat and render void the whole essentials of the Road Traffic Act, as regards the London area."
The memorandum deals with the proposed amendments individually and criticises each.