Recent and Prospective Legislation
Page 59
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TUE paper prepared by Mr. F. a. Bristow, C.BX., F.C.I.S., Minst.T., for the Conference of' the Commercial Motor Users Association, of which he is general secretary, was a truly remarkable piece of work, dealing with recent and prospective legislation affecting mechanical road transport. It was so comprehensive that it is quite impossible for us to deal with it here in detail, hut it is well worth retaining for reference purposes. We must, however, mention a few points.
Referring to the Road and Rail Traffic Dill, the author remarked "One must hope that the Bill when it becomes an Act will be administered with the same spirit of f airmindedness displayed by the Minister of Transport during the various Parliamentary stages. His clear conception of the scheme, his knowledge of the subject and his grasp of detail were exceptional."
He then gave a list of the modifications which were made in the details of the Bill as a result of protests of the national organizations interested in road transport. Briefly these arc as follow :—The licensing provisions are not to apply to a vehicle used for towing a disabled vehicle or removing goods from this to a place of safety.
The carriage of goods by a manufacturer, agent or dealer while a vehicle is being used by him for demonstration is not to be considered as carrying for reward.
.A licence applicant need not submit particulars of investments in other goods-transport businesses.
The licensing authority is required to have a preference in favour of an existing holder and required to state reasons for refusal to grant a licence if requested by applicant, also to state ground for revocation or suspension if requested by the licence holder.
Cancellation of a licence during its currency, if vehicle be not used through fluctuation of business, is not permitted.
The period for which a licence holder is required to preserve records not to exceed 12 months.
An application to vary drivers' hours may be made by representatives either of employers or work-people, instead of by joint application.
Agreed rail charges for merchandise must be filed with the Railway Rates Tribunal within seven days.
Mr. Bristow also pointed out that many counter-amendments were resisted. The paper continued with an analysis of the Bill, followed by details of the London Passenger Transport Act, whilst the third part dealt with prospective legislation,