SMOKE SIGNALS
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IT has been suggested that it is easier to obtain grants of licences in the Western traffic area than in neighbouring South Wales. After hearing cases conducted in both areas, it appears that this is not because of leniency or strictness on the part of the two Licensing Authorities, but to the way in which the cases are prepared.
In the Western area, applicants have the inestimable advantage of the advice and great experience of Mr. T. D. Corpe, with the result that the most is made of evidence of need, figures are properly prepared, and the job of the Authority is made easy.
Traffic court work requires specialized knowledge, and it is significant that Mr. Corpe is appearing more and more at inquiries in South Wales.
SCHEDULES of availability can be dangerous documents for objectors to produce. If they are convincing, the Licensing Authority may say—as did Mr. S. W. Nelson at Bristol—that it seems that they have too many vehicles.
Part-day availability means nothing unless times are shown. Furthermore. objectors may leave themselves open to attack on the question of why recent tonnage was granted if there were vehicles available.
BOTI-I applicants and objectors should remember that the Licensing Authorities' files contain notes on their previous evidence and statements at public inquiries.
Mr. Nelson referred last week to over-optimistic statements by witnesses,• when pointing out that he was "too old in the tooth" to accept mere verbal statements of need and quantum.
MAGISTRATES are not entirely insensible to the law which regards a haulier as responsible for the acts of his drivers, in regard to hours and records, over which he has no control.
Cawthorn and Sinclair, Ltd., haulers, received are absolute discharge on payment of costs when they were summoned for four records offences before Doncaster magistrates.