Evidence of Inconvenience Needed
Page 32
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ryIDENCE must be produced by
customers who had suffered inconvenience as a result of delays caused by breakdowns before an extra vehicle could be granted for maintenance purposes, said Mr. W. P. James, West Midland Licensing Authority, when he refused an application by John Haydon and Sons (Biddulph), Ltd., at Hanley, last week.
It was stated that the applicants, who had a fully utilized fleet of 10 vehicles, had no time for maintenance work. Essential overhauls had to be carried out late at night. Asked by Mr. James why they had not applied for a temporary substitution when difficulties had occurred, Mr. J. Haydon, a director, replied that it took too long. This was not so, countered Mr. James, who said that the records showed that the last time Haydon had used this facility had been in October, 1958.
Two witnesses who were shift workers complained of the noise caused during the night when Haydon carried out their maintenance work, Mr. G. M. Timmins, for the British Transport Commission, who objected, submitted that the application should be refused as there had been no evidence of difficulties suffered by any customer.
The company also wished to add two new A-licensed vehicles to their fleet to A30 carry livestock. One of these units was at present on contract to the Society of Poultry Breeders Associations, but as this work had been continually declining, Mr. Hayden said that he had suggested the contract should be withdrawn. The other vehicle was required to help meet the demands made by farmers and breeders.
Mr. J. Withers, representing the &PRA., stated that since March, 1960, their tonnage had been declining and that he had agreed to the contract being withdrawn. They would still use Haydon to carry loads periodically.
Mr. B. J. Winter, a representative of the Dane Valley Farm Supply Co., Ltd., said that often Hayden had been unable to carry their loads. They had approached British Road Services but their rates had not been satisfactory. He stated that if he were prepared to pay high rates he would have no difficulty in obtaining haulage facilities.
Two farmers gave details of delays in the delivery of cattle and Mr. J. Shaw, a Rochdale butcher, said that on many occasions he had been unable to obtain transport for lambs. The railways were no use as their deliveries took too long, Mr. James adjourned the case and suggested that the operational figures be broken down to give details of differently licensed vehicles in the Haydon fleet.