Policy Discussed in Plymouth T HE growing use and abuse of
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trailers drawn behind private cars was commented upon at a meeting of the Devon and Cornwall Area Committee of A.R.O. at the Continental Hotel, Plymouth, on Monday, when Mr. K. G. Foster presided. In reporting on a recent meeting of the Hauliers' Sectional Board in London, which was attended by Mr. W. R. G. Hawke and himself, Mr. C. Hodgson said that there was a good deal of discontent all over the country at the growth of the practice.
The chairman asked if it was the wish of headquarters to stop the use of trailers altogether. Mr. Hodgson replied that it was not. Even so, there was another way of looking at it. Was it desirable, from the A and B-licence holders' point of view, that it should be allowed, or should they try to get the law changed? Again, was it best to say that the use of trailers was taking the bread out of hauliers' mouths, or to base their case on consideration for public safety? Several members said that both points should he put forward, Mr. Mason observing that trailers were a source of danger when they were overloaded.
The Fair Wages Clause came in for a good deal of discussion, and it was revealed that Mr. F. Chilcott, Bristol conciliation officer for the Ministry of Labour, had agreed to discuss the matter with Mr. Foster and Mr. j. Richards, and the interview was fixed for August 17. Mr. Hodgson declared that the Fair Wages Clause was being deliberately flouted by contractors working for the Cornwall County Council.
Consideration was given to the amended by-laws for Torpoint Ferry, which had been passed by the Cornwall County Council. The secretary stated that among the points affecting road operators were provisions that petrol tanks should not be opened on the ferry, that on request a vehicle should be weighed on a weighbridge on the ferry premises, and that the services could be suspended on account of bad weather or any other sufficient cause.
Mr. Hodgson suggested that the committee might send a letter to the Minister saying that it ,viewed with some alarm the vague wording of the section dealing with suspension of services, as it seemed to give rather wide powers to the council, and might be detrimental to the public. This was agreed to.
In presenting his report as chairman of the finance committee, Mr. Hodgson said that the past month had been a good one for income. The next meeting was fixed to take place in Plymouth on September 12.