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113. R. Needs Positive Approach"
Page 58
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FROM OUR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
AWARNING to Mr. Marples and Dr. Beeching to keep railway branch line closures in proper perspective has been issued by the Central Transport Consultative Committee. in their annual report. Major closures may be justifiable, they say, but among the minor closures—of which there were 18 in 1961—were many borderline cases involving the loss of much goodwill and doubts whether the savings involved (averaging £5,000 per closure) were worth it
While there are still a large number of uneconomic lines that could profitably be closed, the Committee feel "that too much stress is being laid on the results expected from this aspect of the streamlining of railways."
The Committee stress that closure is a negative policy. The real answer to the difficulties of British Railways lies in positive aspects — rationalization, the improvement of passenger •and freight services, regular and reliable door-todoor collection and delivery on time, and the complete elimination of freights unsuitable for rail carriage.
The route mileage abandoned in the past 12 years-3,600—amounts to about 19 per cent. of the total route Miles operated by the railways in 1950, but the annual savings achieved still only amount to less than 7 per cent, of the working deficit in 1960.
While general complaints and those concerning parcel and passenger traffic have decreased steadily, the Committee report that by far the greatest number
still arise on freight transits—and this is attributed almost entirely to staff shortages.
Freight trains are still being cancelled because there is not enough staff to man them.
Complaints from industry suggest that the speeding-up and modernization of freight installations for small consignments is a much-needed prerequisite to obtaining additional revenue and giving better service.
It therefore notes with interest that one B.T.C. traffic study is aimed at formulating a national freight sundries plan, to enable this traffic to be dealt with in not more than 200 depots throughout the country.
Term Extended : The Minister of Transport has extended the present term of office of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee for the London Area until the end of next October.