B-licence Growth a 6 6 Threat, " Say B.T.C.

13th November 1959, Page 197

13th November 1959

Page 197

Page 197, 13th November 1959 — B-licence Growth a 6 6 Threat, " Say B.T.C.

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Keywords : British Transport Commission, Business / Finance

!. A THREAT to other hauliers" was how Mr. C. R. I3eddington, for the British Transport Commission, described the growth of services under B licence by Budleigh Transport, Ltd., Exeter, before the Transport Tribunal in London last week. The history of the business indicated a " back-door" entry into haulage, he said. The Tribunal reserved their decision in this ease. In two others an appellant was unsuccessful, and a decision of the Eastern Licensing Authority was reversed.

."ransfer )pposed

THE Commission appealed against the Western Licensing Authority's addition of four vehicles to Budleigh's A licence. These vehicles were surrendered tram the. company's B licence and were to carry mainly coal, clay, lime and agricultural requisites within 100 miles.

Mr. Beddington said that the responents had built up a substantial business ithin a short time by licence variations 'high incr-:..•as&I their tonnage. In 1948, B licence was granted for one vehicle run Within three miles. There were ow four B-licensed • vehicles carrying lay to Bristol and returning with goods Dr one main customer.

There was no objection to legitimate spansion based on evidence, but an pplication for a complete switch from ; to A required close investigation. Mr. ;eddington contended that the variation MR granted without' proof of need; it as based on economic convenience to For the respondents, Mr. I. R. C. amuel-Gibbon explained that his clients Fished to relieve strain on their A-licence ehicles by bringing the B-licensed ehicles under A. The company tad

never asked for more than they needed. They had been able to do their work only under exceptional strain, reflected in the figures produced and drivers' overtime.

Decision will be given on November 17.

No New Evidence

QNE of the unsuccessful appellants, Mr. R. W. Turnley, Charley Wood, was advised to make a fresh application after Sir Hubert Hull, president, refused to allow new evidence to be produced.

Mr. Turnley had been refused a B licence for a vehicle to carry farm imple ments, food and rubbish within 40 miles by the Metropolitan Deputy Licensing Authority. The B.T.C.,-Sunderland (Herts) Hauliers, Ltd., and Messrs. W. Humphreys and Son responded.

The appellant said that he had brought letters from potential customers and could call a witness, but Sir Hubert stated that it • would be contrary to the Tribunal's practice to examine evidence which the Authority had not heard. Mr. Turnley could not succeed on the evidence he had produced before the Authority.

The president advised Mr. Turnley, a farmer, to think carefully about his proposed service before making a new application. A service extending for 40 miles would embrace London.That was "a big bite."

Loss of Vehicle

AB licence for one vehicle was taken away from Mr. Alex Whatling, Ipswich, trading as East Anglian Delivery Service. He had sought two vehicles from the Eastern Licensing Authority . and appealed against the half-grant.

Appellant told the Tribunal that one vehicle was insufficient to serve his three customers within 70 miles, and he could not make his business pay.

There were cross-appeals by the B,T.C., Ipswich Delivery Service and Sage Transport. Sir Hubert said that the Authority's grant was wrong. The evidence had not shown any need for a further service as proposed by Mr. Whatling.

The cancellation would come into effect on January 1, 1960.

B-licence Growth a 6 6 Threat, " Say B.T.C.

Page 197

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