T.R.T.A. Appeal For "Merchandise Moderation " From C Licensees
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REFERR1NG to the Merchandise Transport case at the T.R.T.A. West Midland Division annual general meeting on Monday, Mr. S. C. Bond. president of the Association, said that the case might lead to re-examination of the entire licensing system and that this might be prejudicial to the C licence operator. It was to be hoped that the apparent loophole in the licensing regulations would not be abused.
In a comment on the Road Safety Bill, Mr. Bond said the Association were in general agreement with the Minister of Transport, but considered that the penalty for speeding could be too harsh in that it allowed disqualification for a first offence.
After reviewing proposals for loading and unloading regulations in the London area, Mr. Bond said it was to be hoped that the diversion of through traffic from congested areas in Burton-on-Trent would prove successful. This system could be applied to some, if not all chief centres of population.
If the suggestion that vehicle tax should be based on ton miles were accepted, it would increase the tax burden on commercial vehicles to the relative advantage of the car.
Whilst the Association were not opposed to the principle of tolls for special projects, it would oppose tolls for ordinary roads, including motorways.
Guest speaker at the meeting, Mr. C. F. Jordan, immediate past chairman of the West Midland Division, said that the railways could not compete with road transport in regard to cost. If C-licensed vehicles remained unrestricted it would be necessary to subsidize the railways. Docks traffic by rail was unreliable and was likely to continue to he unreliable.