C-licensees Ignorant of Danger
Page 35
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APPALLING apathy of many small traders towards the present threats to their liberty as C-licensees was strongly criticized by Col. A. Jerrett, president, when speaking last week at a meeting of the Traders' Road Transport Association, which was held to inaugurate a West Midland sub-area in Coventry.
As an example of some traders' ignorance, he quoted the case of one who had asked at a meeting in another area what the position would be after February 1 ? He had previously been told that his operating radius would be restricted to 25 miles.
The British Transport Commission had reported a loss of £20,000,000 on last year's working. There had been a serious reduction in the freights carried by the railways, which had been caused by one outstanding factor—the increase iii C-licensed vehicles. The expansion resulted partly from. increased industrial
productivity,.and partly from the actions of thinking individuals who questioned the efficiency of State control.
You may have noticed," said Col. Jerrett, " that the railway workers are appealing for wage increases. The sum total of the appeal is that the railway earnings cannot be expected to increase unless C-licences are cut down. Then an increase will come and there will be higher wages."
The short-distance haulier often cast longing eyes on the privileges . of C-licence holders and his attitude would become more critical after February I. Many people were "after the blood" of the C-licensee, and it was essential that a central body with knowledge of both the practical and legal problems involved should represent all traders.
MiJ Delicate was elected chairman of the sub-area, Mr. J. H. Gutteridge, vice-chairman, and Mr. C. H. Smith, honorary secretary