Services for Sainsbury staff: appeal allowed
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• As a result of an appeal to the Minister of Transport by Kent Coaches Ltd of Basingstoke, the decision of the South Eastern Traffic Commissioners not to grant the company road service licences for two services was, last week, overruled.
Kent Coaches had applied in April 1969 for licences for two services between Baughurst and Basingstoke for employees of J. Sainsbury Ltd. The services were already being run by Kent Coaches on contract, but Sainsbury had wanted to introduce individual contributions from employees.
Wilts and Dorset Motor Services Ltd, an NBC subsidiary, had objected on the grounds that there would be serious, adverse effects on its stage services. The company had said, however, that it was adjusting its services in the estate area to meet the requirements of local factories.
The appeal was lodged because Sainsbury wanted to provide special transport with guaranteed seats and no waiting so that new staff were attracted to the factory and present employees retained. It was immaterial to Sainsbury who provided the service, but in the event of a licence not being granted the contract service would be retained so that, in fact, the bus company would not increase the number of its stage service passengers.
The Minister agreed with the appellants that a need for an individual service did exist and on the recommendation of his inspector Mr T. A. Shurlock, decided to allow the appeal.