One-month trial for rates
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MERSEY Tunnel contractors and established hauliers in the area have agreed to an experimental period of a month during which time the hauliers will provide 20 tippers daily to work on the tunnel extension.
This agreement was reached last week after discussions between C. H. Harvey and Sons Ltd., to whom responsibility for the project's transport has been sub-contracted, and the objectors to the 16 B licence applications made by newcomers to the area who are at present operating under short-term licences.
Previously, evidence had been given that there were sufficient licensed tippers available, but that the rate was totally inadequate. Following last week's inquiry two meetings were held but the parties were unable to agree on a rate. The RHA has now written to the contractors telling them that, based on their costings, hauliers can only operate economically at a rate of 5s 6d a ton or 30s an hour for the 15-mile journey to Crosby for tipping. They have also advised the deputy Licensing Authority of this fact.
At the last inquiry, Mr. J. E. Jones, for the objectors, said they undertook to provide 20 vehicles for day work as from December 11 and it was agreed that during the trial period they should have preferential treatment. Only excess work should be given to the holders of short-term licences. The deputy LA, Mr. A. H. Jolliffe, agreed that all the short-term licences should be renewed until January 15 and fixed January 12 for a progress report to be presented at a resumed hearing.
However, he was not satisfied with the present arrangements. He had made investigations and the first two vehicles examined had both been improperly licensed, he said. A further 13 vehicles had been inspected and five had been prohibited. He was convinced that a haulier should earn enough money to properly maintain his vehicle and that the licensing laws should be observed. He would want assurances on these points at the next inquiry.