"Magnificent Service" is Not Quelling Traders' Fears
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
L'REE haulage has 50,000 experts running 130,000 lorries; that is why the Road Haulage Executive cannot cornoete with them in giving efficient service. This observation was made by Mr. F. F Fowler, M.lnst.T., the new national chairthan of the Road Haulage Association, when responding to a' toast at the R.H.A. West Midland Area dinner in Birmingham, last week.
After referring to the Minister of Transport's statement that nationalized transport was giving a " magnificent service," Mr. Fowler said that 700,000 C-licence vehicles were on the road because traders feared that they would not be able to get the service they needed from the R.FI.E.
Mr. Fowler claimed that the raitway problem could be solved by the hauliers working in conjunction with the Conservative Party when it was returned to power. The plan could not yet be made known.
Mr. H. Eyles, 0.B.E., secretary of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said that the economic benefits of the unification offered by the R.H.E. could not be despised. Prompt and efficient service was, however, of far greater importance to trade and industry, and the aim of industry was, therefore, to back free road transport.
Mr. J. Foley Egginton, A.M.Inst.T., West Midland Deputy Licensing Authority, outlined the Licensing Authority's difficulties in attempting to give effect to both the 1933 and 1947 Acts. As an example, he quoted the case of a haulier With three out of 10 vehicles employed en long-distance traffic, who applied for -the renewal of his A licences. If the n2 Licensing Authority granted the licences and the R.H.E. refused permits, the haulier would be forced to use his lonedistance vehicles on local work, thereby creating a " surplus" in the area..
"The greatest co-operation 'should exiit between the Licensing Authorities and the R.H.E. and I should be most happy to bring about that co-operation," added Mr. Egginfon.
Mr. R. N. Ingram, chairman of the West Midland Area. supported Mr. Fowler's plea that free-enterprise hauliers should continue to show vigilance, alertness and Unity of purpose.