FEAR OF ULSTER FLY-BY-NIGHTS
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THE Northern Ireland Government's decision to charge road freight cornpanics a licence fee of £10 per vehicle has had a mixed reception from the trade— relief that it is less than expected and fear that it may fail to discourage " flyby-night " operators.
Initially, a figure of £100 per vehicle had been mentioned. This was later cut to £50. and many companies had been calculating their overheads on this ba'sis.
"The Minister's announcement came as a pleasant surprise to us". said Mr. Trevor Thornton. managing director of Northern Ireland Carriers Ltd. "We had calculated on paying out £37.500 on our 750 vehicles, but instead the fees will amount to only £7,500."
While other companies are apparently worried that the £10 fee will be no deterrent to the oneor two-lorry businesses, offering a poor standard of service, Mr. Thornton is not. "We are ready and willing to meet any competition." he said. "Small businesses may be able to undercut slightly, but you win through today with service, as well as price."
Mr. D. Neill, secretary of the Northern Ireland Road Transport Association, said he was sure that the £110 fee would allow scope for the get-rich-quick operator. and could lead to a damaging rates war. But there were safeguards to prevent a recurrence of the transport chaos of 1935.
"All operators." he said, " must maintain their vehicles up to p.s.v. standards ".