Trailer's Chequered History
Page 47
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WHEN Mr. F. Williamson, North Western Licensing Authority, added a trailer of 61 tons to the A licence of J. Walsh (Darwen), Ltd., on Tuesday, the chequered history of the vehicle was told to him.
On June 1 the company had applied to put the outfit on their licence, and it came to light that they had bought an ordinary 21-ton trailer from the British Transport Commission and obtained a special-A licence for it. This vehicle was at once changed for a 6-1-ton lowloader.
Because the weight had been stated as 21 tons, the Authority held an inquiry on July 6 to decide whether to suspend or revoke the licence. After hearing arguments, he decided against this and re-listed the application.
Mr. J. A. Dunkerley, for Walsh, said a normal user of "general' goods, Great Britain" was required. Three customer witnesses stated that the trailer carried their heavy traffic all over the country, and told Mr. G. H. P. Beames, for the B:T.C., who objected, that certain types of their traffic were unsuitable for the railways.
The witnesses added that the rates of British Road Services were far higher than those of private hauliers, and that there was often delay in obtaining vehicles for special traffics. Mr. Beames said that a grant would create an excess of facilities.