A Splendid Idea
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0 much mud is flying around road transport these days that it is stimulating to have presented a plan which is bold, imaginative and in itself a complete answer to critics. Such a plan is that (see next page) which the Traders Road Transport Association put forward this week to cure many of the current maintenance ills.
For some time a feeling has been growing that, when the Geddes Committee on carriers' licensing eventually reports its findings, one recommendation will be that proof of satisfactory maintenance will be one requirement foi. issue of a licence. The T.R.T.A. have come out point blank and, in fact, urge the Minister to adopt this procedure. They are, of course, absolutely right. Reputable operators have nothing to fear from the proposal—the irresponsible " fringe " whose lack of maintenance has largely contributed to the current wave of criticism will be forced into line or out of business. And who will complain if that happens?
But the T.R.T.A. have gone much further. They offer to provide, at an economic price, a good maintenance advisory and inspection service, based on the employment of skilled engineers. What a splendid idea! This is something really solid and practical. It must be followed up.
• Now that the T.R.T.A. has provided a lead, how about going one step further? Why not extend it to cover ALL goods transport by road, so that hauliers as well as C-licensees can benefit? Obviously the T.R.T.A. would be anxious to preserve its own ideas, and equally obviously they could not easily offer the service to Aand B-licensees. But couldn't a separate organization be set up by the two main operator organizations to administer it?