Don't Miss the "Original Permit" Boat
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Says
MAJOR E. H. B. PALMER, 0.B.E., F.R.S.A.
HISTORY repeats itself and many are reminded of the position in which they found themselves 15 years ago. It was then a matter of claimed tonnage.
If you were able to show that as a carrier you were operating a certhin tonnage during the year commencing April 1, 1932, you could claim to enter the newly licensed industry without let or hindrance and, in the status of an A licensee, with little or no argument. From that proud position you regarded others not quite so quick in the up-take.
Many missed that particular boat. They failed to take the fullest advantage of what might have been theirs for the asking and they have regretted it ever since.
Turn over the page and here we are again with another bargain, another chance of getting in on the ground floor, for those who are alive to it.
Les Miserahles It is possible that many will seek an original permit, who, by reason of one thing or another, will not be considered entitled to it. There is a greater possibility that many will neglect to seek it and, once again, will they miss the boat.
Having submitted the necessary application, those who are in fact ineligible will then sit back and wait for the wheels to go round. They will wait in vain, for the good reason that they are not entitled to the privilege. Possibly no one will advise them of this fact. Possibly their applications will never be returned to them with a note of regret. They will grumble and wait and grumble again, ascribing it all to the longsuffering Civil Servant.
The lazy, careless folk who lose so much by their own slackness, will awaken one day to the fact. that, for some obscure reason, Jones next door continues to carry beyond 25 miles, whilst they are forbidden to do so. Naturally, they will be filled with suspicion and consumed
with indignation. • The foregoing has but one object, and it is to urge all A and B licensees who have a right to apply for an original permit, to do so at once, and certainly by the end of this month.
"The Commercial Motor" has already given a clear description of the procedure to be followed. Anyone who is still in doubt as to where to apply for the forms, should inquire at the headquarters of his Traffic Area.
Who should apply for an original permit? Applications are accepted from anyone who was holding an A licence (or defence permit) or a B licence (or defence permit) on November 28, 1946, has continued to do so since, and, under the licence or permit, could and did carry and still has occasion to carry for hireor reward beyond 25 miles.
If, since then, the licensee has lost his identity in partnership or by converting his business into a limited liability company, he is not entitled to an Original permit [but he would, nevertheless, be well advised to a pply.—Eo.1
There is no need to bother about original permits should the work be in the following classes, which are excluded from restriction:—
(a) Liquid in bulk in containers • of pot less capacity than 500 gallons.
(b) Meat and livestock.
(c) Household furniture removals.
(d) Felled timber on a specially constructed carriage.
(e) Abnormal indivisible loads for which the vehicle is specially constructed.
It is possible that racehorses and greyhounds will not be accepted as livestock, and neither should new or second-hand furniture from factory, stock or saleroom be confused with household removals.
What will remain for those who neglect to apply for an original permit or are not qualified to do so? Is there nothing they can do about the . matter? There certainly is. Under Section 52 of the Transport Act, 1947, they can seek a permit to carry for hire or reward beyond 25 miles, either as a habit or for a particular and temporary purpose. Such permits will be issued as a con cession, and not as a privilege. They can be refused.
If, therefore, you are one of those whose privilege it is to seek an original permit, do so at once. When you obtain these forms—known as PR.2—you will find them reasonably lucid. If in doubt on-any point, take counsel with someone who knows more about such matters than you do. I admit that, at first glance, the officialese is a little hard to grasp, but light will dawn if you persevere. Be sure that you give the right answer, because anything but the right answer may lead to endless confusion, in which you may lose a trick, and it may gum up the works for much longer than is necessary.
Having sent in your claim to be granted an original permit, put the matter out of your mind. NQ permit will be • operative until the appointed day, which is not likely to happen for•many months.