Road Service for Market
Page 43
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Not Needed
A N attempt to set up a daily road service between Sheffield and Lancashire for market-garden produce was unsuccessful at Lytham St. Annes, last week. H. Wood and Sons, Hardhorn, near Blackpool. who wanted to .carry 'produce on B licence from within five miles of their base to Castleford Market, Sheffield, were told that there was no need for further, facilities (The Compiercial Motor, April 11). • For the applicants, Mr. F. D. Walker submitted a letter.from J. E. Haig, Ltd., Sheffield, who said Wodd's 'could guaran
• tee an early delivery at the market, which was essential for perishable goods. British Railways, one of the two objectors, were often late, and produce deteriorated in transit. • Wood's also seemed to be more careful than the railways in handling traffic, and returned containers more promptly.
Mr. R. Rutherford, a Fylde nurseryman, said in evidence that he sometimes sent 2,000 boxes of lettuce to Sheffield in a season, but there were often delays
• by. the railways wh.cri speed was vital. Wood's had given him more satisfactory service. Answering M. P. Kershaw, for the railways, he said he had nor approached any other .carrier.
Replying to Mr. J. A. Dunkerley, who objected for Brewer and Turnbull, Ltd., he admitted that his premises were next door to Wood's .depot.
Giving evidence for Brewer and Turnbull, Mr. H. Waddington, an assistant manager, said they had 13 vehicles stationed in Blackpool, and could supply transport to meet nurserymen's needs. He agreed that 75 per cent, of their existing traffic was furniture removals.
For the railways, Mr. J. Balliwell, of Blackpool North Station, said collections had been made as late as 7.55 p.m., and they carried 3,910 consignments last.year. This was,however, a decrease in traffic, which had dropped by 27 per cent, since 1955.
Mr. Kershaw submitted that the sort of competition planned by Wood's would prove devastating to A-licence hauliers and to the railways. There had been no complaints from the railways' regular customers. Mr. Duriker*y claimed that Brewer and Turnbull would he able to meet all demands, and a grant would abstract traffic from existing carriers.
Mr. Walker contended that the delays caused by the railways showed that there was some defect in their methods. • • Refusing the application, Mr. J. R. Lindsay, . North • Western ,• Deputy Licensing Authority, • said there would always be the eternal .conflict about road and rail,' but in this case he did not consider the; c was need for further facilities.