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That was the year...
Page 14
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CM was launched in 1905; for our centenary year we're bringing you stories from years gone by. This week we're back in 1940 and 1990.
1940 1990
Britain faced its darkest hour as the Battle of France ended and the Battle of Britain began, but more than 330,000 allied troops were rescued from Dunkirk. Plucky little America said hello to Bugs Bunny. nylon stockings and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Gassing up With petrol and diesel in short supply The Commercial Motor tested a Morris-Commercial five-tonner converted to run on producer gas.The gas was produced on board from "a mixture of 'Great Mountain' anthracite and special low-temperature coke"; top speed was 44mph compared with 50mph on petrol.
Tyred out "According to a report in The Times," we reported, "motor drivers leaving Germany are now compelled at the frontiers to remove the tyres from their vehicles and leave them behind, crossing on the rims and fitting replacements later."
Top tables To join its successful Tables of Operating Costs CM published Tables of Wages Scales. So hard-pressed operators knew how much to charge their clients—and how much to pay their drivers.
Parachute patrols A Hull operator suggested that long-distance drivers and their mates should be formed into"a useful auxiliary body for antiparachute defence". It was pointed out that "such men. by reason of their calling, have their wits about them and could be expected to display common sense and initiative in circumstances of emergency". Nelson Mandela was released from prison; Margaret Thatcher resigned: Iraq invaded Kuwait; West Germany won the world Cup.The Hubble telescope was launched into orbit.
Safety first We recorded how Ponsonby's was saving £2 on insurance for every it spent on defensive driving training. The course cost £3,500, and despite the fleet growing by 20% insurance costs fell to £15,000. The company noted that after its drivers had taken on the defensive driving philosophy, mechanics at annual test claimed the brakes on its trucks looked unused and the quality of their drivers became a big part of its sales story.
Urban bans Truck bans were starting to put the squeeze on urban deliveries with Birmingham council demanding a day-time ban and authorities in Buckinghamshire planning their own bans... to push away traffic diverted from Birmingham. Council sources said they had little faith in the ban because it gave truck operators no real chance for delivery scheduling and was virtually unenforceable. However, "the whole concept became much more complex when the planners got involved".
Looking east With Perestroika making itself felt, parcels companies among others started to put tentative feelers out to eastern Europe. East Germany and Hungary were among the most promising markets, given their relatively developed economies. But Russia promised to be one of the biggest, if Gorbachev succeeded with his reforms.