'Penalization Will Hurt Public'
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CCONOMIC difficulties faced by rural bus operators were highlighted at Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday. when Cross Gates Motors of Cross Gates, Radnor, were required to show cause why their p.s.v. licences should not be suspended or revoked under the provisions of Section 127 (7) of the Road Traffic Act. 1960. Two licences were suspended for three months.
The South Wales Traffic Commissioners were told that despite losses of £8.378 since 1963. this old-established family business wished to continue to operate stage carriage and school services. Mr. J. Chard presented the case for the Ministry of Transport and Mr. J. Rosser John represented Cross Gates Motors.
Mr. Chard said that at a recent fleet inspection five out of six vehicles were suspended immediately with a total of 123 defects, many of them of potential danger to the public.
After pleading for leniency, Mr. John
added that only 'two of the 10 services operated paid. Cross Gates were satisfying public need at their own expense, hoping that things would improve. Revocation of licences would not hurt the operator, who had made heavy losses for some time, hut the public would suffer.
Chairman of the Commissioners, Mr. R. R. Jackson. said the public may suffer lower standards of comfort in rural areas, but this could not mean lower standards of safety. The Commissioners were well aware of the difficulties of operators in the area and of Cross Gates Motors' financial problem—but as an effective revocation would hurt the travelling public, discretion would be exercised in favour of the firm and only two licences would be suspended. Mr. Jackson added: The Commissioners hope that such an old family business will not again appear before them in such circumstances."