Inquiry Into Three
Page 63
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Operators' Conduct
SUSPENSION for a month of the excursions and tours licence of the Star Motor Hiring Co., was the decision of the North-Western Traffic Commissioners, on Monday, when, for the first time in that area, operators were " given opportunity" to show cause why the road services licences held by them should not be revoked or suspended under Section 74 of the 1930 Act. In the other cases—those of Mr. R. Connolly and B. Barnes and Sons, Ltd.—it was decided to issue a warning that any future irregularity would result in licence suspension.
Reports of alleged breaches were given by officers of the Commissioners.
The charging of fares, on certain occasions,. not in accordance with the schedule, picking-up at unauthorized points and the use of vehicles not bearing indications of the destination were the allegations against the Star Motor Hiring Co. (Gorton). Mr. T. M. Backhouse (for the Star company) said that the Denton point was operated for years, owing to a misunderstanding. Until 1934, the company had thought that it was entitled to pick up at Denton. Formerly its office was there.
Irregular picking-up in Denton and Reddish was admitted by Mr. Backhouse, on behalf of Mr, R. Connolly
(Gorton). The position was that Denton was left off when the application was made and it was thought that this operation was in order.
What he stated to be a new feature to the Commissioners was the subject of comment by the chairman., during the hearing of the renewal application by B. Barnes and Sons, Ltd. (Rawtenstall), which preceded the "showcause " bearings. It was a special rate for Blackpool on Sunday evenings. Mr. George Barnes, managing director, explained that this was in order to bring it into line with regular Sunday evening trips and to give passengers a change from journeys into the country.
A report by Mr. J. E. Woodford, clerk to the Commissioners, alleged that activities had been undertaken that were not within the scope of the road service liceoce.
A protest was made by Mr. Backhouse against the introduction of matters prior -to the formation of the limited company in 1935. The chairman said that he would adjourn the case. He could consider the matters on the question of whether the licenceholder was a fit and proper person to have a licence. Following discussions regarding the date of incorporation, Mr. Backhouse withdrew his protest.