Taxi Owner Seeks Express Licence
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QER VICES from Sheffield to the s.-) Norfolk Broads, operated by Sheffield United Tours, Ltd., and British Railways. were criticized by witnesses, on Monday, when a taxicab proprietor sought a licence to run a summer express service for holidaymakers. Mr. G. Hobson, Sheffield, asked the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners for permission to operate between Castlegate. Sheffield, and Martham Green, Norfolk.
Mr. G. A. Milner, for the applicant, said on the S.U.T. service there were no intermediate setting-down points between Norwich and Yarmouth. The present terminus at Yarmouth involved a difficult journey of 12 miles or more to Potter Heieham and Martham Green.
Holidaymakers laden with luggage had to walk a mile or more to the Eastern Counties bus station, from where there was an hourly service with buses which had no accommodation for luggage.
The only trains from Sheffield which called at Potter Heigham and Martham Green in the summer did not stop unless at least eight passengers wished to alight. In addition, there was at least one change, and some people were so dissatisfied that they had journeyed from Sheffield by taxi.
Cross-examined by Mr. W. R. Hargrave, for S.U.T., Mr. Hobson said he started coach operation in 1954 with a used vehicle, which was hired out to S.U.T. until he had worked up his own goodwill. He would purchase an additional coach if the application were granted.
He was not prepared to give art undertaking to cease private-party operations to Yarmouth and the Broads if a licence cfi were granted. He agreed that hire cars and a shooting-brake had also been used to take holidaymakers to the area.
Replying to Mr. F. Marshall, for the other road objectors, Mr. Hobson denied that he operated fishing trips for hire or reward in an Austin Omnicoach that he had recently purchased.
The hearing was adjourned.