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Restrictions on Operators?
AMEETING of the West Midland Area (Birmingham district) of the Associated Road Operators was held on October 4, when Mr. E. G. Whitaker addressed the meeting in place of' Mr. L. W. Gupwell, who was indisposed.
He mentioned that the Association was, at present, endeavouring to obtain an increase in axle weights, which would Affect all goOds-vehicle operators. He gave particulars of the formation of the road-traffic section of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, referred to in our issue dated September 27, which, it was hoped, would do much to co-ordinate the views of operators.
Mr. S. W. Nelson, clerk to the West Midland Licensing Authority, also addressed the meeting and said that an organization such as the A.R.O. was a great help to the Commissioners in carrying out their duties. He stated that the Licensing Authority was determined to see that all the conditions attached to licences were observed, and urged upon operators the need for paying fair wages.
Mr. A. L. Stallworthy, the deputy clerk to the Licensing Authority, said a few words with reference to applications for fleet increases, and stated that there appeared to be much diffidence amongst operators in this matter. He pointed out that, if the addition of a vehicle to a fleet could be justified, the Licensing Authority would always hold the balance fairly between the operator and anyone who objected.
Mr. J. Foley Egginton, area secretary, paid a tribute to the fair manner in which the West Midland Licensing Authority had dealt with applications, which was clearly demonstrated by the fact that, out of 11,000 applications determined, only three appeals had been lodged, two being withdrawn and the other lost. He said there appeared to be some fear that an attempt was being made to restrict the operation of goods vehicles to a 50-mile limit, which would not only affect A and B operators, but also ancillary users, and urged that it was not in the public interest that further restrictions should be placed upon wellestablished haulage businesses.