The Lorry Driver Competition
Page 48
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A S a lorry driver I think" the system of marking laid " down by.the .Lorry Driver of the Year Organizing Committee requires complete overhaul. Surely all the barriers. posts and obstructions' ineorporated in the tests represent
vehicles, pillars, and solid structures? The extra post placed on the kerb a few feetfrom the rear barrier at the finals last year was explained as representing a pedestrian standing on the kerb.
Consequently, if any of the obstructions are hit it must surely represent an accident and, if this is so, the test should be deemed to have been failed. The penalty for such a failure in my opinion should be loss of at least 100 points.
In the kerb parking test it was noticeable that a contestant lost less points by knocking down the post representing a pedestrian, and finishing only a few inches from the kerb, than another who avoided the post and was about 1 ft. 6 in. from the kerb with each wheel. Also, if a vehicle overruns the kerb, which fn normal circumstances would do no damage, he is penalized 40 points. Yet for hitting a post which could be a car he loses only 20 points.
I mean no disrespect to the winner at this year's Weymouth heat, but why a driver should have two tries at one test I don't really know. The marshals explained the tests to the last details, and also inquired of competitors as to whether they were understood.
The penalty of five points above the worst performance in the test in the class for a failure is a complete farce. As national steward Mr. J. W. Scammel said, when there c12 was a suggestion that in a heavier class there would have been a loss of perhaps 200 points based on this system. "It must be recognized that the competition is class against class." What chance is there, under the present system of marking, of a driver of a heavier vehicle ever winning the supreme championship?
Bristol, H.J.M.
Preserved A.E.C. Trolleybus
FOURTEEN of Reading's 22-year-old trolleybuses are soon to be replaced by new trolley vehicles of advanced design.
A group of enthusiasts in Reading has purchased one of the old vehicles for preservation. It is an A.E.C. with Park Royal 56-seat highbridge bodywork, and was delivered in May, 1939, to replace the last of Reading's trams. It carries the fleet number 113; registration number ARD 676.
In connection with this, a society for enthusiasts who are interested in transport developments in the Reading area has been formed. It is known as the Reading Transport Society. The proceeds from this society will be used to keep 113 in the good condition it is now in, and also to provide it with covered accommodation.
Those who would like further details of the society are invited to contact the hon. secretary, Mr. M. J. C. Dare. 56 Woodcote Road, Caversham, Reading.
Reading. M. I. C. DARE.